Till The End Of Time [Inuyasha Fanfiction ]
Chapter 155's

"Kagome, what's wrong?" jinenji asked as soon as she saw Kagome open the door of her study and walked in.

Kagome stared at Jinenji. "I came to take the infusion liquid for Rin-chan."

"Oh, is it over?" jinenji asked again and immediately walked to the box where he kept the infusion liquid they had made. "I'll get it right away."

Kagome remained smiling looking at Jinenji who immediately took out a few large bottles of the infusion liquid they had made. He did not say anything despite seeing something that should not exist in this age.

Infusion liquid.

Kagome did not know what would happen to the future because of what she had done. Will the future of medicine be messed up by his intervention?—but, he is willing to accept the consequences, as long as Rin survives.

A few days ago, things changed again. Meido seki on Rin's chest had stopped beating, and along with that, the tiny body began to refuse food and drink. No matter what he ate or drank, everything would be spewed out— his digestive system had stopped working completely.

No one knows what happened, and no one can cure it anymore. And then, without food and drink, the weak body grew so weak that it terrified anyone who saw it. His already thin body became thin—how can there be a human who can survive without food and drink?

Lying motionless on a futon because it was not powered up, there was nothing more bitter than the moment he saw it still smiling. With her eyes so soft, the human woman said that she was okay and not to worry. That's why, when everyone is looking for other ways to cope, Kagome who comes from the future tells will be medical devices future—fluid infusion.

The first time Kagome mentioned the word, both Inukimi, Kaeda and Jinenji were quite confused. However, when the future miko explains in outline how it works. The three people who did have extensive knowledge of medicine found hope.

Kagome does not know how to make intravenous fluids, but with the help of Inukimi, Kaeda and Jinenji, after much effort, they finally manage to create an infusion for Rin.

Seeing Rin's state that they managed to control, they were all able to breathe a sigh of relief. It's just that, in their hearts, the fear grew bigger and bigger - what else will happen in the future? Even if there is something they are grateful for about the woman's current situation, at least the attacks that usually strike every day have stopped without anyone knowing the cause. Rin's condition and health really can't be predicated in the least.

"It's Kagome," Jinenji smiled and handed the infusion liquid to Kagome. "You still need anything?"

"No, this is enough." Kagome smiled and received the intravenous fluids. "Thank you, Jinenji-san. I'm going back to Rin-chan's room."

Reversing, Kagome stepped forward to get out of Jinenji's study, but, just a few steps back, she called out her name. "Kagome."

Kagome stopped walking and looked back at Jinenji who was still standing in his place. "Yes, what's wrong, Jinenji?" tanyanya.

"Kagome," Jinenji's face seemed hesitant to say what was in his heart. However, gathering all his courage, he took a breath and asked back. "Do you think we can heal, Rin-chan?"

Jinenji's question instantly made Kagome's smile disappear. Standing still motionless, he silently nodded, not answering.

"I've treated many people, humans, hanyou or youkai. But, I've never seen a pain like Rin-chan," Jinenji continued in despair. "You're the same as me, Kagome. You're the one who watches and checks his health every day. Beyond me, you even know clearly his condition..."

Jinenji's long words were still not answered by Kagome. The Miko remained standing still silent a thousand languages staring at Jinenji whose face was now full of sadness.

"Be honest, Kagome. Is Rin-chan curable?"

Jinenji's question really hurt Kagome. Because, he can not answer—no. He could not answer, but he would not answer.

"Why are you asking like that, Jinenji?" ask Kagome back. There was no smile or laughter on his face, his facial expression was full; sadness.

Jinenji was silent for a moment. Closing his eyes, he imagined a little girl laughing and running in the little flower garden—Rin full of life. "I-I can't bear to see Rin-chan's suffering..."

The most honest answer in Jinenji's heart. He could not bear to see the little girl in the flower garden who had grown up suffering continuously. Paralysed hands, unnaturally low body temperature, a heart that beats very slowly as if it can stop at any time, food and drink that cannot be eaten, a body that loses energy, and a heart that can stop at any time, as well as the shattered mentality he kept on holding back—does his current state not hurt enough?

"There must be a way," Kagome replied then flatly and made Jinenji open his eyes looking at her. Sighing, the future miko smiled.to hide and cover up her true feelings. "As long as we're alive we still have hope—the magic will exist."

Jinenji was speechless not knowing what to say anymore. The answer Kagome gave was definitely not the answer, but—how could she dispel the hope that so many occupants held within the western land palace now?

Looking at Jinenji who did not say anything more, Kagome then chuckled. "Is there anything you want to ask Jinenji? If it's not there, I go back to Rin-chan's room first."

Not waiting for Jinenji's reply again, without looking back, Kagome immediately ran quickly to get out of the hanyou workspace.

The Jinenji Kagome left behind can only stare at the figure of the future miko's back until it disappears behind the closed shoji door. Sighing for the umpteenth time, he could only raise his head staring at the ceiling of the room and close his eyes.

Miracle.

In his life, how many times has he seen people expect miracles to come while in uncertain and painful times. It's just that, out of so many people, how many actually get a miracle?

....xoxOx....

Sitting in the bedroom of the ruler of the western land without motion, neither Miroku, Sango, Kohaku nor Shippo dared to say a word. So does Inuyasha who sits outside the door of shoji's open room. They all just sat quietly staring at the ruling family of the western lands in front.

As usual, Shura falls asleep quietly next to Rin in Sesshoumaru's moko-moko. Her hands clasped tightly onto the tip of the mother's black hair, while a small smile filled her tiny face. Sometimes he chuckled, as he could clearly feel the whereabouts of the two old men by the side.

For Sesshoumaru, the ruler of the western lands sat quietly beside his two wives and children. His face was flat with no expression, but his golden eyes stared gently at Rin who was on top of the futon. His right hand moved slowly, stroking his hair and sometimes touching the face of a human woman who had fallen asleep carefully—as if he was carving that peaceful face in his heart. Then for Rin himself who fell asleep quietly on the futon. Needles and hoses pierced her arm, draining a white liquid called Kagome intravenous fluid into the human woman's body.

Rin's.

Both Miroku, Sango, Kohaku and Shippo had not seen him in a while. Since his condition had deteriorated and needed a lot of rest, they did not dare to step foot into the room to visit because they did not want to disturb. Therefore, looking at it now—the four of them were very surprised. Rin remains as beautiful as in their memories. But, his body was very thin, making them inevitably grow worried. Both of his cheeks were so thin that they began to be sunken, his lips dryly chapped, his face deathly pale without blood, his breathing was slow and short that there was a dying—Rin.

The silence of Miroku and the others, as well as their feelings of shock and fear—Sesshoumaru noticed it. But, ignoring them, the inuyoukai who kept staring at Rin then closed their eyes. Lying if he was unaware of his kisak state right now, it was just that as long as the heart was still beating, as long as those eyes could be opened, he could still feel a bit of peace. Rinnya was still alive, still beside her.

"Sesshoumaru-sama." a slow and weak voice called out his name, making Sesshoumaru immediately open his eyes. A weak smile captured his gaze—an eternal smile in his heart.

"Ri." Call Sesshoumaru slowly.

"Rin is fine." said Rin quietly with a smile that still remains. On Sesshoumaru's expressionless face as well as his golden eyes, he could clearly see all his true feelings from the inuyoukai he loved. "Don't worry..."

Sesshoumaru nodded his head even though he knew it was a lie. Holding her head down, she kissed Rin's forehead gently.

Rin closed her eyes feeling the warmth of the lips that touched her. A small laugh filled his face. "Rin's not going anywhere, Sesshoumaru-sama..."

It's not going anywhere.

Rin always said those words to Sesshoumaru, even though in both Rin and Sesshoumaru's heart he no longer knew, it was the truth or the— lies. How many are true and how many are lies, those words just keep being spoken and heard just to keep things from getting worse more than now.

As Sesshoumaru turned his lips away, Rin looked back at Sesshoumaru with a million feelings of love and smiled. Then, he slowly looked at Shura who was peacefully asleep by the side. "Shura, my son from the west, Rin loves you too..."

Hearing Rin's voice, Shura smiled wider and wider. Lifting the two hands that were grasping her mother's black hair, she brought it closer to her face. Passing the hair with her cheek, she laughed.

Rin could only laugh at Shura's attitude. Then, slowly, his gaze shifted to the figures of Miroku, Sango, Kohaku and Shippo who were also in the room. "Miroku-sama, Sango-sama, Kohaku-kun, Shippon-kun.." call him slowly.

"Hi, Rin-chan." Miroku's reply was quick and clear. As well as Sango, Kohaku and Shippo, they looked straight at Rin with a face full of smiles.

"Where are the kids?" rin asked slowly when he did not find Shiro, Mamoru, Aya and Maya.

"Ah, they are all sleeping," Sango quickly replied with a laugh. "Other times, we'll take them all. They've all missed you so much, Rin-chan."

"Rin misses them all too much" Rin replies and laughs softly. "Rin misses playing and hearing the laughter of them all."

"Then you have to get healthy again, Rin-chan," Shippo interrupted later. Staring at Rin straight, the little fox youkai smiled. "When you're healthy, we'll all have parties and gatherings all day."

"Yes," Kohaku added quickly. The young Taijiya laughed. "Sesshoumaru-sama's birthday is soon, isn't it? We're gonna have an even bigger birthday party than last year."

Kohaku's words stunned Rin for a moment. Birthday Sesshoumaru and himself—he almost forgot about it. Remembering last year, he just returned smiling. In this one year, how many things have happened?

"I agree," Miroku's laughter came along. "This time the party should last a week or two."

Rin did not reply to Miroku's words, but once again, he laughed again.

"Ah—one-two weeks less," Kagome's voice suddenly sounded. From the front door of the room that opened, he walked in with a big smile on his face. "One month. We're gonna have a party for a whole month."

"Cih," said Inuyasha, who had been silent. Folding his hands on his chest, he threw away his face. "Why didn't you say we'd party until spring when the cherry blossoms just bloomed?"

Inuyasha's words immediately made everyone turn to look at the inuanyou. Instantly, everyone who was there immediately agreed.

"Good idea, Inuyasha."

"really. Why didn't I think of that?"

"Yes. After the end of the birthday party, we can continue with hanami."

"I like that idea."

The reaction from the surroundings made Inuyasha surprised. His eyes widened to stare at his friends in disbelief, since when did they all become party junkies?

Rin once again could only laugh back to see what was happening in front of him. An atmosphere like this—it felt like he had not experienced it for a long time. Being with those who love him is the most fun.

Sesshoumaru who said nothing saw Rin's loose laughter. Letting the monk and the others visit Rin was indeed not wrong—at least he was happy now.

Raising his right hand against Rin's right cheek, Sesshoumaru again grabbed the human woman's attention. "When you're healed, this Sesshoumaru will throw you the most festive party the world has ever seen, Rin."

Rin's eyes widened to hear Sesshoumaru's unexpected words. However, a moment later he closed his eyes and smiled happily.

The most festive party the world has ever seen, Rin can only imagine what the party will be like. It will be full of food and drink, full of dance and nyayian, the music will never stop flowing in the air, then everyone's laughing smile will be visible throughout the eyes looking at—Rin really want to see a party like that.

However, only closing his eyes for a few seconds, Rin could feel it again. He's coming again. This time, he came so powerful and terrifying. Something he feared most; death.

Opening his eyes, fear filled Rin's eyes. Meido seki is not beating anymore, and he does not know, whether the fortune will still exist to separate himself from those he loves—hide his pitiful figure from them.

"Rin, what's wrong?" sesshoumaru asked as soon as he saw the change in Rin's facial expression.

"S-sesshoumaru-sama, take Shura out." Rin replied quickly. He could feel the death that had now reached him. His slow and short breath became unruffled, his body began to tremble, cold sweat soaked the entire face. "K-out.."

Speech and also the change of Rin's condition immediately made all who were aware of the abnormality of the human woman. Standing up, they wanted to approach her, but Rin immediately turned her head to look at them.

His two brown eyes desperately held back the fear and tears that piled up. Full of supplication, he said softly in his slow, trembling voice. "R-rin please... Exit.. Get out and shut the door..."

Inuyasha, Kagome, Miroku and the others were stunned by Rin's facial expressions right now. Their footsteps stopped, the plea they heard made them right not knowing what to do.

"Rin," call Sesshoumaru and force Rin to look at him. The calmness on his face had now disappeared replaced by worry, panic and also—fear."Tell Sesshoumaru this, what happened??"

The expression on Sesshoumaru's face only made Rin more desperate and guilty. A feeling that really eats him. Again he made this inuyoukai face like this.

"This shoumaru won't come out until you explain what really happened!!" Sesshoumaru was fed up. What does Rin keep secret whenever she asks everyone to come out and lock herself in a room?

Sesshoumaru said, Rin knew, that inuyoukai was not joking. But, once again, how could he show such a pitiful figure to his beloved inuyoukai more than anything else?

Looking at Rin's face, Rin's eyes fell on Inuyasha, who was standing at the door. Tears flowed, crying she begged inuanyou who was the only hope she had. "I-inuyasha-sama.. Rin m-please.b-carry Sesshoumaru-sama and Shura k-out....

Rin's tears, her supplication as well as her pair of despair-filled eyes—Inuyasha can only close their eyes. That look haunted him along with a million undifferentiated feelings. However, the inuhanyou knew, he had to make a decision.

Opening his eyes, biting tightly on his lower lip, Inuyasha moved quickly. Approaching the small family in front, he immediately pulled off Rin's hair that Shura was holding. No matter the small inuyoukai eyes that opened furiously, he immediately raised his right hand to hold it. As for his left hand, he immediately grabbed onto the collar of Sesshoumaru's kimono and pulled it up.

"Let go of me, Inuyasha!!!" sesshoumaru's orders were full of anger. His golden eyes turned blackish red, he would not hesitate even though the one concerned was his sister. However, Rin's screaming voice suddenly sounded to stop him.

"Sesshoumaru-sama!!!"

Surprised, Sesshoumaru immediately turned his head to look at Rin, and instantly he— was stunned. Staring at him in all his misery, a pair of brown eyes full of despair and supplications directed straight at him. Tears flowed nonstop, but both ends of her lips were raised to form the most beautiful smile in the world.

"R-Rin please, come out, Sesshoumaru-sama. Rin is okay. Really, Rin is okay. Come out..."

Sesshoumaru was unable to move, his blood-red black eyes returning to gold. Wh why? He was eager to ask Rin why, but, he couldn't find his voice. Rin's smile diverted everything, only this time out of desperation and helplessness.

Inuyasha who saw Sesshoumaru became calm, did not waste the opportunity. Stepping foot fast, he pulled his half-brother out of the room.

Kagome, Miroku, Sango, Kohaku and Shippo are confused by what happened. But seeing what happened as well as Rin's expression, they steeled their hearts and ran out following Inuyasha in silence.

Drawn out by Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru did not move at all, his gaze only fixed on Rin's smile. Then, as the door of the shoji room that opened slowly closed, he saw that smile turn into a laugh that he loved so much.

"Rin loves you..."

It was soft and weak, but Rin really wished Sesshoumaru could calm down and wait for him outside. He didn't know what else to say, other than to tell the inuyoukai how much he loved her. Love her until she will definitely win against death again no matter how much she suffers.

Closing his eyes, and opening his eyes again, Rin let death come completely for the umpteenth time. With tears never disappearing and unparalleled pain, he opened his mouth and uttered his spell.

"Sesshoumaru-sama... Shuras... Sesshoumaru... Shuras... Sesshoumaru... Sesshoumaru...Sesshoumaru..."

Love's.

It's amazing how happy and happy that feeling is, but at the same time, in Rin's story, how sad and painful it is.

....xoxOx....

Standing in front of the closed door, no one moved to say anything. An overwhelming silence filled Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha and the others, until Shura's loud cry broke the atmosphere.

"Oahhhh!! Ahhhhh!! Ohhoo!!!"

Kagome immediately moved and snatched Shura. Assisted by Sango, the two of them desperately tried to stop and calm the small inuyoukai looking for his mother.

Sesshoumaru remained motionless even though he could clearly hear Shura's crying voice. His eyes were still fixed on the door of the room that was tightly closed. The Inuyoukai still could not digest everything that happened, Rin's laughter smile still vividly reflected in his memory.

Inuyasha, who was worried about Sesshoumaru's attitude, could only name his half-brother slowly. "Sesshouam—"

However, unfinished Inuyasha called out the name of Sesshoumaru, the tightly shut door of shoji's room suddenly opened violently and made everyone else in the room shocked.

The door to shoji's room was wide open, only, no one could see into it. Something as black as a wall covered it. It is so dense that all there is can only see darkness.

"What's this?" inuyasha said confused as well as others.

Sesshoumaru also did not understand what was happening, but staring at the pitch-black darkness ahead, he could hear a strange voice speaking in his mind. A strange voice, like the voice of a woman, but also not a woman, like a child but also like adults and parents.

'Sesshoumaru, come in.'

Not caring about anything, without thinking any longer, Sesshoumaru immediately stepped up and barged into the pitch darkness before his eyes.

"Shoumaru!!!"

"Sister!!"

"Sesshoumaru-sama!!!"

"Sesshoumaru-san!!"

Shouted Inuyasha, Kagome, Miroku and the others being shocked simultaneously seeing Sesshoumaru barging in.

"This fire!!! Sesshoumaru!!!" inuyasha shouted loudly full of fear. Both hands move

the wall was hoping to tear it down. "Sister!!!!!"

....xoxOx....

What Sesshoumaru found when he broke into the thick storm was his bedroom and Rin again. Only, there was something strange, namely; an extraordinary silence. The sound of Inuyasha and the others outside did not sound at all like this room was soundproof.

But, Sesshoumaru did not care about the oddity, his golden eyes quickly looked for the female figure that was on top of the futon. Instantly, his eyes widened in disbelief.

On top of the futon, with eyes wide open that kept streaming tears nonstop, Rin lay down. His entire body shook and convulsed violently with soaking sweat. His mouth opened and continued to say something, but not a single sound came out.

"Rin!!" Sesshoumaru ran fast. His two golden eyes stared fearfully at Rin's condition ahead. However, only two steps had been taken, an overwhelming pain assaulted him.

"Ughh.." muttered in pain, Sesshoumaru fell to his knees down. Unstoppable, the pain that strikes continues to grow and enlarge until it is unbearable.

Breathing becomes very difficult, the cold burning from the inside is unexplained, the feeling of the whole body being pierced and torn apart by thousands of pieces. Never had Sesshoumaru felt this kind of pain, even the pain when his heart was pierced was not this painful.

Unable to stand or walk, Sesshoumaru desperately endured the excruciating pain without cause. Staring at Rin again, with all the energy available, the inuyoukai can only crawl closer to his kisak.

"R-rin.." crawling up, Sesshoumaru tried hard to maintain his consciousness that seemed to disappear at any moment. "Rin..."

Crawling and continuing to crawl by focusing his consciousness on Rin, Sesshoumaru had no idea what else he was feeling. Seeing the human woman he loved so suffered in plain sight, but to approach him alone, he was so troubled—one reality hit the inuyoukai.

The distance between them was not far, but to reach Rin, Sesshoumaru first realized how far away they had actually been. The invisible distance of the eyes that are invisible, can see but not reach—separates them so great.

Then, it was all suddenly dark.

Opening his eyes, Sesshoumaru found himself standing in endless darkness. Not knowing where, the inuyoukai did not understand why he was here. Wasn't he in her room and Rin? The excruciating pain that had struck him just now had also disappeared without a trace, as if he had never felt that pain for the first time.

Staring around carefully was also puzzled. From a distance, Sesshoumaru's sense of hearing caught a weak voice in the darkness. Without wasting a second, he immediately ran towards the source of the voice, as he knew who the owner of the voice was—Rin.

Keep sounding. Despite being weak and stammered, Sesshoumaru could hear the clear vibrating voice of Rin who kept calling out the names of the two people in his life.

"Sesshoumaru-sama... Shu-uras... Sesshou-oumaru... Shuras... S-sesshoumaru-san..."

Continuing to run with all his might in the darkness, Sesshoumaru did not care about anything else. There is only one thing on his mind; to find Rin and stop whatever suffering he is going through.

In an endless darkness that does not know where the beginning and the end are, Sesshoumaru then finds Rin. However, what he saw stopped his footsteps.

Lying weak in the dark. The tiny body continued to tremble violently. Black lines that moved like snakes filled his body and face. Then, most horribly, the feet and hands that were now turned to stone and continued to erode into dust disappeared. Rin's face was deathly pale, both eyes wide open, continuing to shed tears and not focus. Her small mouth also kept opening and mentioned two names like a mantra. "Sesshoumaru-sama... S-shurrah... S-sesshoumaru-san... Shur-ra's...."

"R-Rin.." call Sesshoumaru in disbelief. Fear could no longer be hidden in his face. "Rin!!!"

Screaming loudly calling Rin's name, Sesshoumaru came back running. There was nothing more important to him than Rin, therefore looking at the condition of the woman, she could not help but hold back all the emotions in her heart. However, when he arrives in front of Rin, as he kneels to touch her, a visible wall stops him—separates them again for the umpteenth time.

Once again, only being able to see the woman he loved suffer, but touching her alone could not, Sesshoumaru was unable to maintain his sanity anymore.

"Rin!!! Rin!!!" continuing to measure the invisible wall that existed as if expecting it to collapse, Sesshoumaru was like a madman who had darkened his eyes. He could think of nothing more than reaching for Rin. "Rin!!! Rin!!!!!!!!"

The sound of Sesshoumaru's cries filled the endless darkness. Then, instantly, the pain returned to Sesshoumaru without mercy. Cold and heat that can not be explained, body pain that was pierced and torn into thousands of pieces is no longer organized, then the hands and feet that can not be felt anymore.

"Ohhhhhh!!!" Sesshoumaru shouted out loudly. The pain is unexplained and unbearable. Never did Sesshoumaru think that in this world there was such excruciating pain. This pain was even tens of times as much compared to the pain he felt in the room before being in this endless darkness.

Trying to deal with his pain and sanity, in a cry of pain, Sesshoumaru could only look back at Rin in plain sight. However, staring at the woman lying motionlessly in front, she suddenly realized something.

The sign is binding. The mark on Rin's neck is a sign that always connects Rin with her, letting her know if something has happened to the woman she chose to be her soulmate. Therefore, Sesshoumaru finally realized; the pain that existed, the unbearable pain that continued to strike relentlessly—it was the pain that Rin felt.

"Yes, Sesshoumaru. It's Rin's pain."

The strange sound he heard in front of the door of the room again sounded from behind Sesshoumaru. Looking back, his golden eyes found a ball of light shining in the endless darkness. The pain disappeared immediately too.

"Pain that even makes an inu daiyoukai bend their knees and scream in pain—Rin experiences it every day in silence."

Sesshoumaru knew what the ball of light was. Although this was the first time they had met, from the perceived aura as well as its existence that reminded him of the tensaiga sword.

"Meido seki's..."

"Yes, I am Meido Seki," Reply to the ball of light and laugh out loud. "Finally we meet, Sesshoumaru."

Anger filled Sesshoumaru's heart hearing Meido's laughter. "What did you do to Rin!?"

Meido Seki's laughter stopped. Silently silent for a moment hearing Sesshoumaru's question, the ball of light then spoke again, but in a voice full of anger. Emitting an extremely bright light, he drew closer to the inuyoukai in front of him. "That's not your question, Sesshoumaru! I'm the one who should be asking, what have you done to, Rin!??"

Meido Seki's unexpected question made Sesshoumaru speechless. Confusion immediately filled him, he did not understand the meaning of the question that existed.

Sesshoumaru's reaction made Meido's anger disappear. Slowly, the light returned to its original state. He knew, Sesshoumaru didn't know anything, he never knew what he had forced Rin through. "You're fed up aren't you, Sesshoumaru? You want the truth, don't you?—I'll tell you everything."

Meido Seki's questions and remarks made Sesshoumaru unable to move. Staring straight at the ball of light, he did not know what to do. But his golden eyes shone expecting an answer to all the uncertainties.

"Rin's not sick, Sesshoumaru. Only, his time in the world of life had reached an end. Death only comes to pick him up according to the circle of life," explained Meido seki slowly did not care about Sesshoumaru's reaction. "But because he forced to continue living with you, death became cruel."

Time that had reached its end and death that was picking up, Sesshoumaru was unable to move. When Rin reaches the end and death comes, deep down, she is conscious. But, he always brushed her away, hid and drowned himself in the smiles and laughter of the woman he loved.

"Rin who is weakened from day to day is because it is a body that has run out of time does not have the aura of life anymore. The body will stop functioning slowly until the soul disappears," continued Meido seki continued without stopping. "Then, attack. Attacks that often attack and torture Rin. It was an invisible death. Doing everything, death forced and tortured Rin who had broken the law of life to obey him.."

The figure of Rin lying helplessly in the room, as well as the figure of Rin who was behind, Sesshoumaru knew now—it was death. The invisible death that comes to fetch the soul that should have been gone.

"Do you know, Sesshoumaru?" meido asked seki then in an unchanging voice. "Why have you never felt death coming to pick you up all this time even though Rin has experienced it so many times? Why does Rin keep herself locked up in the room every time?"

Sesshoumaru could only continue to stare at Meido seki. She could not answer him, she did not find the strength to let out her voice.

"You never feel anything because—Rin doesn't want you to know. Although the sign connects you, it uses my powers unknowingly to create wealth that limits your bond. That's why you never felt it until I just pulled out the fortune. He loves you so much that he doesn't want you to suffer at all..."

Such a terrible pain, something so terrible. How many times has Rin experienced it?— shutting yourself in a room holding this all in without telling anyone. How stupid that woman is.

"He's a fool, isn't he?" ask Meido seki. He could clearly read Sesshoumaru's mind just by looking at his facial expression now. "He doesn't want anyone to know. Confine himself in his own room and force all out—it's because he doesn't want to show his suffering and pitying figure to anyone, especially; you're Sesshoumaru..."

You stupid woman.

Sesshoumaru closed his eyes, only thinking how stupid Rin was. Not wanting to show his figure like that was because he did not want himself and the others to suffer, not wanting them to feel useless and guilty for not being able to do anything for him. Rin who never changes because he always put others first, has he ever thought for himself just once?

"Sesshoumaru," call Meido seki again slowly. The pain and sadness on Sesshoumaru's face, he could see it clearly. No more inudayoukai high self-development that everyone is so afraid of. "The consequences of a soul resisting death and surviving, do you know?"

Sesshoumaru opened his eyes and looked back at Meido seki with the same expression unchanged; pain and sadness.

"The consequence is that his soul will be destroyed, and he will never be able to enter the reincarnation circle again."

Sesshoumaru's eyes widened in disbelief hearing Meido's explanation seki.

"And you know, when I told Rin, she smiled and said it was okay. He said it was a good thing, because then he did not need to reincarnate and forget about you and Shura. Forgetting the two of you was the thing he wanted the least..," Meido's voice sounded softly. Because that ball of light clearly remembered the smile on the human woman's face back then. "Rin's love for you and Shura is the most extraordinary love the world has ever seen..."

'How long can you love me?'

'forever. No matter my breath has stopped, no matter my body is gone, as long as my soul is still there - no. Even if my soul is gone, my love for you will never change. I will always love you, until the end of time.'

His question and Rin's answer, all of it goes back through Sesshoumaru's mind. Grasping tightly the chest of the kimono she was wearing, a new, very painful pain came to—he really felt like he could not breathe. Rin's incredible love for her, such pure and innocent love just for her a—how could that woman love herself to the point of not caring about anything?

Meido Seki did not say anything more. Flying slowly, he then passed through Sesshoumaru and passed through the invisible wall that existed. Stopping right above Rin, he flew down and shone brighter as if trying to warm the human woman.

Sesshoumaru immediately turned his body to look at Rin and Meido seki. The ball of light that was now shining in the darkness did not end up clearly revealing to the inuyoukai the figure of the woman cowering in agony.

Tears were relentless, eyes were wide open but unfocused, a body shrouded in streaks of darkness that kept moving like it wanted to devour it, as well as the hands of the feet that have become stone and eroded into dust—sickness and unexplained anguish that exist.

"This soul that has begun to disintegrate" said Meido seki slowly full of sadness. "You know what Rin's weapon is in the face of death, Sesshoumaru?"

Meido Seki's question made Sesshoumaru again raise his gaze on the ball of light.

"Your name and that of your son that he continues to mutter endlessly like a spell—that's how Rin's weapon faces everything..."

The mouth that kept wide open and called out his name and their son between conscious and unconscious Rin's arms faced all the suffering, Sesshoumaru felt an unparalleled pain in his heart. Rin's feelings, her love for herself and Shura—she doesn't find the word to describe this pain anymore.

Blessing his hands, Sesshoumaru again hit the invisible wall. He wanted to embrace Rin, feel the warmth and expel all the suffering that existed. But, the existing wall still stands firmly not budging.

"Destroy this fucking wall!!" sesshoumaru shouted in anger. His golden eyes turned a blackish red full of madness. "Dispel!! Restore it!! Give me back Rin!!!"

"Rin's soul is too fragile to touch again, Sesshoumaru," Meido seki sideline stops Sesshoumaru's insanity. Stunned, his blackish-red eyes turned back into directional gold on the ball of light before his eyes. "If you touch her, she'll be gone for a moment..."

Can see but can not touch, Sesshoumaru can not accept the reality that exists anymore. Angry, confused, hate, guilty, desperate—all merge into one. "What... What do you want from this Sesshoumaru, Meido seki?"

Meido quietly heard Sesshoumaru's question. A moment later, however, he answered. "I want you to stop this, Sesshoumaru."

Sesshoumaru was silent at the response he got. Once a song, he stared in disbelief at Meido Seki.

"Rin will no longer be helped. He has no hope anymore. Although his soul would perish and disappear after that, at least he would not have to suffer more than this..."

"You're telling this Sesshoumaru to tell Rin to—mati?" asked Sesshoumaru stammered.

"Yes," Meido replied quickly without changing the tone of his voice. "Rin would never be able to leave everything no matter what. But, if you ask him, even if he doesn't, he will definitely obey.."

Rin's life is a gift from Sesshoumaru, since he opened his eyes a second time in the world, from childhood to adulthood, the human woman knows her life belongs to Sesshoumaru. Therefore, he couldn't just throw it away. He's not going anywhere as long as the inuyoukai don't allow it, including—death.

What Meido said immediately made Sesshoumaru laugh. Tell him to ask Rin to leave everything? Leaving her and Shura? Tell Rin to die?—what madness is this?? How important is Rin to him? The only woman loved, the mother of her son..

'Sesshoumaru-sama.'

'Sesshoumaru-sama, Rin loves you..."

'Sesshoumaru-sama, Shura and Rin— will be together forever..."

A smile and laughter as warm as spring were etched eternally in his existence. The beautiful dream that knitted so happily, the red thread that tied their hands—how could Sesshoumaru do that?

Staring at Meido seki full of insanity, Sesshoumaru again angry. His eyes turned red again. "This Jesshoumaru will not let go of Rin! Rin is mine!! I won't let anyone take it from me!! Not even for death!!" back hitting the invisible wall, Sesshoumaru's sharpening claws started clawing and trying to tear him apart. "Rin will never leave this Sesshoumaru!!!"

"Sesshoumaru," cut Meido flat. Sesshoumaru's reaction did not shock him in the least. Since he himself knew, his request was a very cruel request. Who can ask the person you love the most to die? but—ini is the best. "Your selfishness and greed will only make Rin suffer more."

Sesshoumaru could hear Meido seki's words and he also knew his point. But he chose to cut off his ears. Don't tell him to do the impossible. The importance of that human woman, how precious she was in her heart, the irreplaceable existence in her world.Who knows? no one knows!

"Rin's not going anywhere!! Rin will always be with this Sesshoumaru!!! He'll live—forever together!!!"

Continuous cries filled the endless darkness, screams in fear and despair—unexplained hidden cries. Meido seki could not say anything more, seeing Sesshoumaru's condition, he knew, whatever he said, the inuyoukai would not listen to him. What he wanted to tell, he had already told, what he wanted to say had also been said. In the future, everything was only Sesshoumaru's decision.

Flying high up, Meido seki then shone very brightly, making Sesshoumaru inevitably close his eyes. "If you really love her, then let her go..."

Opening his eyes, Sesshoumaru finds himself in his room and Rin again. Raising his head, he saw Rin who was still lying in pain on the futon.

"Rin!!" moving, Sesshoumaru realized that he had been able to move again and did not feel any pain anymore. Standing up, he quickly ran up to Rin and hugged her carefully.

"Rin!!" call Sesshoumaru again. But, Rin who was in his arms could not hear at all.

With eyes wide open and tears flowing endlessly, the body cold as ice and convulsing, the breathing is not bad and the slow beating heart is not normal—Sesshoumaru knows what Rin is really going through. But, this was where he was, only being able to hug her without being able to do anything.

"Rin..." Calling Rin's name, Sesshoumaru touched Rin's cheek and directed an unfocused look at her. Instantly, he was stunned.

Rin's open mouth kept moving as if saying something but no sound came out, and seeing his movements, Sesshoumaru knew what the human woman was saying, namely; her name and the name of their son.

Sesshoumaru-sama and Shura.

'Your name and your son who continue to be muttered endlessly like a spell—that is Rin's weapon facing everything...'

Meido seki's words flashed through Sesshoumaru's mind, making his heart ache so much that he could not breathe. In excruciating pain, between conscious and unconscious, what Rin thought was still only herself and their son, never herself.

'Your selfishness and lightness will only make Rin suffer more.'

His selfishness and greed. Sesshoumaru knew, but, he wanted to be selfish and greedy. Aren't youkai selfish and greedy creatures? He is a youkai, so he can be selfish and greedy, right? He will always be selfish and greedy to keep Rin by his side— forever together as they wish.

'If you really love her, then let her go...'

Release Rin? Sesshoumaru once again asked, how can he let go? He really wanted to ask, is there anyone in this world who is able to release the person who is the axis of his own world? Let go of the one you love so much more than anything.

Raising and soaking Rin's face in his chest, Sesshoumaru glorified his head upwards and laughed loudly. "Hahahahahhaha!!"

'Sesshoumaru, is there anyone you want to protect?'

The question of his biological father flashed through Sesshoumaru's head. He's owning. After all this time he found it—people he wanted to protect beyond anything. But, ironically, he was unable to protect her.

"Hahahahahahaha!!!"

Continuing to laugh out loud, Sesshoumaru could only further tighten his embrace of Rin fearing the woman would disappear if he let her go. This pain, this madness—he really wished this was just a nightmare. A dream where when he opens his eyes he will find Rin and Shura laughing at him.

Maybe this is the punishment. His pride and arrogance, cruel and cold hearted, feelings from those in the past that he ignored just for the sake of pursuing strength. The law of karma now applies, but why? If this was his fault, why drag the sinless Rin in it?

'Sesshoumaru-sama.'

'Sesshoumaru-sama.'

'Rin loves you...'

Rin's smile and laughter, the woman should be running in the flower field singing and dancing, not suffering like this. He is spring, the sun above the sky—the manifestation of eternal bliss in the world.

Meido seki is right. It is his selfishness and grace that actually started this all. Everything that happened was his fault. He should not have touched her, he should only have seen the beauty from a distance. But, because of his desire, because of his greed, he stepped forward and floated it. Poisoned, desecrated and now—cannot be released.

"Hahahahahaha!!"

The love between youkai and man is a love that violates the laws of nature. Youkai and humans should not be together. What a funny world, Sesshoumaru knows now, how deeply he loves Rin, as cruel as life punishes them.

....xoxOx....