Till The End Of Time [Inuyasha Fanfiction ]
Chapter 165's

Two fangs.

The family heirloom of the ruler of the western land is very famous. No one does not know the two heirlooms in the world of youkai. The fangs are swords with opposing forces. The two swords were from the fangs of Inu No Taisho, the inudayoukai ruler of the previous western lands. The sword that Inu No Taisho passed down to his two sons.

Tessaiga.

A sword that can swing once can kill hundreds of youkai. The sword that had been specially reserved and could not be used was even touched by the youkai. The sword was only used by those who had human blood, and was passed down to the youngest son.

Lalu—Tensaiga.

A once-slashed sword can liven up hundreds of lives. Healing sword—life sword. A sword that has the power to resurrect those who have died. The sword passed down on the eldest son.

"So, you understand now, don't you, little one?" inuyasha asked as he looked at Shura. Both of his hands were folded on his chest. "You think I'd still be able to sit quietly like this if Sesshoumaru was really dead?"

Shura did not answer Inuyasha's question. Sitting quietly in silence with her calm face, she just kept staring at Inuyasha.

"Hmnn," muttered Miroku slowly staring at Inuyasha. "I'm not used to it yet. Seeing that Inuyasha cared so much for Sesshoumaru, it was truly unimaginable that they had brothers who had killed each other before."

"Hey!! What do you mean, Miroku??" the Inuyasha protest was annoyed at Miroku's remark. He stared hard at the monk. What does it mean to bring up a long-ago past?

"Both brother and Inuyasha are adults, Miroku." Kagome's laughter saw Inuyasha's reaction. Inuyasha and Miroku's relationship has indeed changed since ten years ago, and the future miko always feel grateful for that.

"Yes, they've changed." Sango agreed with Kagome's words, while to Kohaku, he nodded his head in agreement.

"Hey, man! How dare you say that about Sesshiumaru-sama!!" jaken shouted loudly full of anger staring at Kagome.

"Hey!! You too!! What do you mean we're grown up!?? Did we used to be kids??" inuyasha protested again, this time he stared intently at Kagome who was just laughing no matter her or Jaken.

"But" Shippo said with a grin looking at Inuyasha. "His childish nature does not heal."

Shura still did not say anything hearing the conversation, his eyes were still on Inuyasha. He knew that Inuyasha was his relative through the smell, but he was quite surprised to learn that the inuhanyou was the half-brother of his biological father or by some other meaning; his uncle.

Ten years of his life, Shura never found out that his father had a brother. No one told him, was it because his father didn't admit to this? But, seeing the talk of Inuyasha, Kagome and Miroku, it seems like the relationship between the two half-siblings is quite good even though it was not. Why would her father keep this from her?

Lalu—Tessaiga and Tensaiga.

This famous western heritage, why didn't he know about it? especially tensaiga, the sword of life passed down to his biological father, why had he never seen it? Shura really did not understand anymore why her real father kept all of this a secret from her.

"Where is the sword now?" shura's question made everyone in the room look at her. "Where is tensaiga now?"

Silence filled the room. Looking at Shura, no one answered the question. Where is tensaiga now? All who knew where the sword was, only to answer it was not easy, especially after knowing this little inuyoukai was brought up without knowing the past.

"Tensaiga is in the hare mountain, Shura-sama."Tsubasa who was silent then replied. He who was in the room could see the difficulty on the faces of all that was, and he understood that.

"Mount Hare?" shura asked confusedly.

"Yes, hare mountain," Tsubasa continued again and looked straight at the small golden inuyoukai eyes in front of her. "Rin-sama's final resting place, your biological mother."

....xoxOx....

"The dog's dead?"

"Yes, Akihiko-sama." Koga who was kneeling in front of Akihiko nodded his head answering the question of the ruler of the southern land.

Akihiko was speechless at the answer he got, while for Koga, his eyes kept staring at the ruler guessing what was on his mind.

"What about Shura?" ask Akihiko later.

"Shura-sama is not known to exist, nor is Inuyasha and the others" Koga replied again. He had expected that Akihiko would definitely question the whereabouts of the small inuyoukai, fortunately managed to obtain some information. "But he survived. Someone saved him even though no one knew who it was."

Akihiko fell silent again. His face was flat with no expression, and Koga did not say another word. Sesshoumaru's fall and the fall of the land west of— no one ever thought of it. Moreover, the culprit was Shui. What really happened? Lack of information makes many things full of question marks.

"Akihiko-sama," said Koga again. A little hesitant, he did not know whether to pass this information on or not, but in the end he decided to pass it on. "Tsubasa is most likely together with Shura-sama."

Akihiko was stunned to hear Koga's words. But again, he did not give any reaction. Tsubasa who left the southern land palace or rather left Akihiko has been known by most of the southern land youkai, because the bird youkai is a figure who has quite high power in the southern land palace. His absence is enough to overwhelm some of the youkai within the palace.

"There were those who saw him heading towards the western lands shortly after Shura-sama left the southern land palace."

....xoxOx....

"Are you sure Shura will be able to use Tensaiga, Inuyasha?" ask Miroku slowly. He stared at Inuyasha sitting silently beside Sesshoumaru who was lying not breathing.

"Of course Shura-sama can use Tensaiga!! Who do you think he is??" jaken's protest beside Sesshoumaru was full of anger.

Miroku did not care about Jaken, he just stared at Inuyasha who was still silent, as well as Kohaku who was beside him. Can Shura revoke Tensaiga? Can he use his power?

"Little one can do it" Inuyasha replied later. "The sword is a legacy. In the absence of Sesshoumaru, tensaiga will definitely choose him—son the only."

Miroku did not ask again. He understood what Inuyasha said, but, what if it turned out that Shura could not pull out the tensaiga? or what if Shura can pull out the tensaiga but can't use it?The little—inuyoukai don't even know the existence of such an important sword until they tell him.

"Do we have to look for another alternative as a backup plan?" kohaku said slowly. He understood the meaning of Miroku's question. Tensaiga who can resurrect those who have died—the sword is definitely not an arbitrary sword.

"Another alternative?" inuyasha asked, raising his head to look at Kohaku. "You mean Meido seki? Forget it, we don't know where Meido Seki is. What's more, who is capable of using such an obscure thing?"

Kohaku fell silent at Inuyasha's question, and he could not answer it. Besides tensaiga, the only one who can resurrect those who have died is—Meido seki. It's just that unlike Tensaiga who is known to exist, meido seki has disappeared ten years ago along with Rin's cremation.

"You're taking Shura-sama for granted, aren't you? If Meido were here right now, he would be able to use it!!" jaken's protest was again full of anger although again, he was not ignored by Inuyasha, Miroku or Kohaku who were in one room with him.

"Hey, Jaken," Inuyasha called then did not care about Jaken who was still full of anger. Raising his head to look at the frog youkai, he asked softly. "Why do you think Sesshoumaru didn't tell the little guy? Why is he keeping all this a secret?"

Anger instantly disappeared from Jaken's face. Stunned, he looked at Inuyasha in silence.

"Then, what do you think Sesshoumaru's last words meant to Little One, 'Forget it'?" Inuyasha did not understand no matter how he thought, why would Sesshoumaru do all that? What does that say? Jaken is the closest youkai to Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha really wishes he had the answer.

Jaken sighed hearing Inuyasha's question. Silent for a moment, he turned his gaze to look at Sesshoumaru, "I don't know either.." sadness emanated clearly from his eyes. "All I know is that Sesshoumaru-sama is completely unable to step forward from Rin's death..."

Lying if Jaken doesn't know, he may not be able to read Sesshoumaru like Rin who just stared at the golden eyeballs knowing everything. But, the time he had spent with Sesshoumaru for hundreds of years?—dia knew. As time went on and moved forward, ten years had passed and Rin's death was acceptable to those who knew him, as time healed. But, not for Sesshoumaru, because he knew, until now Sesshoumaru could not accept Rin's death.

"While it seems okay and as if it has been accepted, Sesshoumaru-sama is completely unable to accept Rin's death..." Jaken remembered clearly, the face of Sesshoumaru who stood staring at Rin's painting in silence every night. The hand that is raised and touches the face in the painting gently as if it is touching the world's most precious gem—Sesshoumaru is trapped forever.

Inuyasha, Miroku and Kohaku fell silent. Unable to step forward, unable to accept—they could not say a word. Rin's face is reflected in their heads, her beautiful smile, her happiness, her sacrifice and also her heartfelt love. If loved in such a way, who is willing to accept loss? If you can't accept it, who can move forward?

"Haaa..," letting out a long sigh, Miroku raised his right hand down her hair. This conversation is very heavy, he does not want to continue it again, because it will also not find a solution. Rise up, she smiled a little. "Alright, I will coordinate with Koharu-san. We have to make plans if we want to go to the hare mountain."

Both Inuyasha and Jaken raised their heads to look at Miroku, but they were silent. Kohaku also stood up, he smiled slightly. "I'm coming with Brother Miroku, I'll help."

Miroku returned the smile of his sister-in-law, Kohaku and nodded his head. Not saying more, the two of them left the room that only Inuyasha and Jaken had left.

Jaken who was left with Inuyasha did not care about the inuanyou at all, his eyes looked at Sesshoumaru. But a moment later she stood up, "Jaga Sesshoumaru-sama, I want to check on Shura-sama's state."

Inuyasha raised his head and looked at Jaken sharply hearing his orders. Under ordinary circumstances, he must have been angry and argued with the frog youkai, indeed he thought he was who?—how dare to rule him. But, for now, he had no intention of doing that.

Jaken who Inuyasha looked at like that was a little frightened. Not wasting any time, immediately, the frog youkai ran out of the room.

The quiet room made Inuyasha turn to look at Sesshoumaru. Staring at the peaceful face of the inuyoukai, he felt frustrated and also—sadih.

"Don't I tell you, if you need help you can find me in the human village, and I will definitely come for you soon.."

There was no answer and Inuyasha also knew that.

"If you can't step up and can't forget—if you're struggling and suffering, you should have told me, Ahh—no," Inuyasha continued and closed her eyes. He laughed, but full of pain. Guilt filled his heart. "I should have known that you couldn't possibly do that.."

If he was in the position of Sesshoumaru and Kagome in the position of Rin, Inuyasha was sure, he would definitely end up the same as Sesshoumaru. In a long life, you find a glittering light that brings warmth, yet, suddenly the light disappears and you are thrown into the cold darkness—who can face it?

Rin's death was very painful for Inuyasha. Because to her the human woman was his precious family, he clearly remembered that he owed her. Therefore, he could not stay in the palace of the western lands that was full of memories. But, for Sesshoumaru, Rin's death may be the same as the destruction of his world, and in a place full of memories, the inuyoukai was trying to organize his shattered world. Inuyasha should have been aware, Sesshoumaru would not have said it because of his stubborn nature. He should have realized that at the time, while it looked fine, the inuyoukai needed him.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there when you needed me the most, brother..."

....xoxOx....

"Sakura, how about we just go back to our room?" ask Shiro slowly. Lying on the futon she looked at Sakura who was also lying on her right. "This room is too narrow because there are too many people."

"No," Sakura replied as she shook her head. Looking to the right, she smiled looking at Shura who was also lying down returning her gaze. "Sakura wants to sleep with Brother Shura."

"This room is not narrow even though we are all here" said Mamoru suddenly. He who was lying on Shiro's left laughed. "Aren't you used to saying more is better?"

"I don't remember Shiro ever saying that?" sela Aya who is beside Mamoru.

"Yes" Maya added. He who was next to his twin sister then laughed. "But, I agree with that word this time."

Shura silently remained silent not saying a word. Again, do not know how the hanyou and this human again gathered and decided to sleep in his room. He wanted to chase them away, but his gaze then fell on Sakura who was smiling widely.

"Sister Shura, Sakura will be sowing sister to sleep," Sakura's sweet smile widened and slowly her hands moved hugging Shura's hands. "Can, right?"

A warm touch, Shura did not reply, she just continued to stare at the little hanyou she could not understand. Again, not knowing why, he did not hate the touch, quite the contrary.

"Sakura, release!!" shiro shouted frantically seeing Sakura hug Shura's arm. However, suddenly, Kagome's voice sounded from outside. "Shiro, Sakura, you guys are inside, huh?"

"Mother!!" call Sakura happy. Releasing his arms, he immediately stood up and opened the room door allowing Kagome to enter.

Shiro did not say anything, he smiled smugly looking at Sakura who had let go of Shura. Moreover, Kagome would definitely have them return to their respective rooms. But not for Shura. The little Inuyoukai felt dislike, even though he did not show it on the face. His expression remained flat without emotion.

Shiro was stunned to hear Kagome's words. Did he not hear wrong? How could his mother still let Sakura be near Shura?— did she realize that if this was allowed to continue, sooner or later, Sakura would be snatched from them?

"Calm down, Auntie," Mamoru laughed off. Staring at Shiro who was still stunned he smiled. He wouldn't have possibly allowed Sakura to step out of this room, who told the innuanyou to throw her on the floor earlier?—"We're all so familiar."

Aya and Maya said nothing, but they both smiled and nodded their heads in return.

"Mother! Mama!" call Sakura and pull Kagome inside. The smile on his face grew wider, as well as his golden eyes. "Because I've been here, how about mom tell us all a story before we go to bed."

Kagome laughed at the adorable expression of her little princess. "All right."

"Hore!!" laughing happily, Sakura immediately let go of Kagome's hand and ran back over the futon where she had been lying just now. Looking at Shura, she smiled sweetly. "Sister Shura, my mother will tell stories for us."

Shura did not say a word. He just kept silent with his flat face.

Shiro said nothing. Looking at Kogome who was now sitting on the tatami floor in front of him, he felt despair. It seemed that only his father was as thoughtful as him. Later, no matter what happens, he has to put their father next to Sakura.

Kagome just smiled. The look in his eyes fell on Shura, and he really did not see his nephew, because, he really was exactly like Sesshoumaru. Not only was his appearance, even his expression and attitude were completely copies of his biological father.

"Alright," said Kogome quietly and laughing. "What do you want to hear?"

"Hmnn, Snow White? Cinderella?" muttered Maya slowly thought of the strange dongen that Kagome always told them since childhood.

"Or Peterpan?" sela Aya who was also thinking.

"How about just a horror story," added Mamoru quickly full of joy. "It looks like it'll be more fun."

"The story of Youkai and the human princess alone, Mother," Sakura replied excitedly. He wanted to hear a favorite fairy tale that he never tired of hearing since childhood. "Sakura wants Shura's sister to know the fairy tale."

Sakura's reply made everyone in the room shocked. Staring at the inuanyou, they fell silent. Shura was aware of the oddity that existed, but, as usual, she did not care about it.

"Sakura, the fairy tale is—" Shiro said slowly. Why out of so many fairy tales, her little sister had to choose that fairy tale? However, Kagome's slow voice then cut him off. "All right."

Shiro, Mamoru, Aya and Maya immediately got up to sit and turned their faces to look at Kagome. Surprised again, they could not say a word. Only Sakura was the one who came back cheering happily.

"Mother," called Shiro softly full of doubt on his handsome face. "That story.."

Kagome knew what Shiro meant, but she shook her head with a smile still on her face. Slowly, he then looked at Shura, the fairy tale of the youkai and the human princess he was about to tell, he hoped the little inuyoukai who knew nothing would hear it. Just once is enough, because it is a beautiful fairy tale.

Shura did not understand Kagome's gaze directed at him. What is it about the story that will be told until it makes the miko in front of him look at him like this?

"Alright," said Kagome slowly and began telling the existing fairy tale. "In ancient times, there was a human girl. He lost his family because of the bandits who attacked the village. Alone, he who was very young tried to live his life. No one helped her, therefore, she was often hungry and lonely."

Sakura's eyes sparkled happily hearing her mother's fairy tale. Shiro, Mamoru, Aya and Maya were still silently silent with strange expressions on their faces, whereas for Shura, as usual, she did not care.

"Then, one day, he walked into the forest, and in the forest, he saw, a wounded youkai under a tree."

Shura has never heard of the strange fairy tale that Kagome tells, and she does not understand how this fairy tale could become Sakura's favorite fairy tale.

"The Youkai was seriously injured because of his fight with his brother, L—ehmm," Kagome continued. But he continued his story. "The youkai were in the forest to heal themselves. That was why the little girl could approach and see him clearly. The long silver-haired and golden-eyed—youkai was a youkai who was very handsome, strong, and also hated humans very much."

Sakura's eyes sparkled more and more joyfully hearing Kagome's story. The meeting of the two main characters of this fairy tale is one of the most liked parts of the story.

"The Youkai were aware of the existence of the little girl. But, he doesn't care about it. As for the little girl, without fear, every day she came to see the youkai bring food even though it was never eaten," Kagome continued and laughed softly. Slowly, he then looked at Shura. "Then the day the youkai was healed and was about to leave the forest, the little girl did not come again. Why?—because the little girl has died in the hands of another youkai who attacked the village."

Sakura looks very surprised and scared as if she first heard the fairy tale, while for Shiro and the others, they keep stealing staring at Shura. Shura was clearly more and more aware of the oddity that existed, but, once again, she did not care.

"The Youkai found the little girl. When he saw it was lifeless, the youkai who hated humans did not know why for the first time to pull out his father's inheritance sword for—" took a short pause, taking a short pause, and, Kagome then smiled gently with a look that did not budge the least from Shura. "Rightened the little girl..."

Shura immediately got up from her lying position upon hearing Kagome's story. His two golden eyes were wide staring at the future miko in disbelief.

Until here the fairy tale, after knowing the existence of Tensaiga, Kagome knew, Shura must have been aware of the truth of the fairy tale told.

"When the little girl came back to life, she followed the youkai, and strangely, though known to hate humans so much, the youkai allowed her, even to the point of protecting the little girl from all the dangers."

Shura continued to look at Kagome, hearing her story intently as if she did not want to lack the slightest bit of the fairy tale.

"Youkai and humans, they are different creatures, therefore the youkai gave the human girl a choice, which world would she live in? Human world or youkai— worldand the little girl chooses; the youkai. To the little girl, her world is that youkai, with that youkai she wants to stay."

Kagome laughed and closed her eyes. The choice of the little girl who was so shocking was not, in the eyes of the little girl forever there was only the youkai.

"The Youkai accepted the little girl's choice, and from then on, the youkai decided to return to his kingdom and become King. Ah, I haven't told you, have I? The youkai was the prince of a youkai kingdom," laughing widely, Kagome opened her eyes that sparkled beautifully.

"Sakura knows, mother," Sakura replies happily. He got up and sat down like Shura. "That youkai is the prince of a very powerful youkai kingdom."

Kagome nodded her head looking at her little princess. Slowly, he again set his eyes on Shura who did not move in the slightest. "The Youkai brought the little girl to his palace. The girl became a hime and lived with the youkai. Season after season, from spring to winter, year after year. The human princess grew up to be a beautiful girl who touched all who saw her..."

"Huh...." Sakura sighed hearing Kagome's story. She had always imagined how beautiful a human princess would be in such a fairy tale. "The human princess must be very, very beautiful.."

Kagome laughed back at Sakura's words and nodded her head once more slowly. "The Youkai and the Daughter of man are always together, which is why love then grows between them. Their love is very big and beautiful, therefore after passing through many differences and problems, regardless of anything, the youkai made the most beautiful kimono in the world to propose to the human princess and marry her.."

Shura did not move in the slightest to hear Kagome's story. The story was very foreign yet made his heart beat very fast.

"Their wedding day is in the spring when the flowers bloom. The human princess was very, very beautiful in shiromuku—the most beautiful bride in the world," Kagome's smile widened and her eyes glazed over her own words. "And that very day, the youkai gave a sign and made the daughter of man kisaki in her kingdom..."

Pausing for a moment, Kagome took a breath and went back to telling the story in her smile. "They got married in the spring, and in the summer, a miracle came to the human princess and the youkai," looking at Shura again, the eyes of the future miko softened tremendously. "The daughter of man bears the son of the youkai..."

Stunned, Shura sculpted. His eyes opened wide, staring at Kagome.

"They were so happy," closing his eyes, Kagome resumed her story. "And although the human princess had a hard time conceiving their child, they were both very, very much in love with the child..."

Shura seemed to be unable to breathe hearing Kagome's story. He didn't know what to do, he wanted to ask but didn't find his voice.

"Then, trouble comes. The human world and the youkai world reject the existence of a child conceived by a human daughter. The child is the heir to the youkai kingdom, although he will be born as a hanyou. Man and youkai say the balance of the world will be destroyed because of the child, therefore, the child must not be born."

Shura's eyes kept on Kagome, she didn't care anymore about the sight, Shiro, Mamoru, Aya and Maya were staring at her from earlier.

"But, the youkai and the daughter of man do not care, for to them, the child is their miracle; the most precious treasure there is."

Shura's heart felt warm hearing Kagome's words. But at once very sad. Really it?

"Humans gathered and attacked in the fall, and by then, the youkai advanced on their own against them. He advanced to protect his wife as well as their son and— won.." Kagome's slow voice remained calm as she told the story as well as the smile on her face. "Mankind can easily be defeated by the youkai, but not by the youkai world. Thousands of youkai gathered and will attack. The chances of winning were not great, and they forced the daughter of man down from her throne as well as their son could not be the heir of the kingdom."

"Based on criminals!!!" Cut Sakura pity, she was completely unaware of the strangeness on the faces of Shura and the others upon hearing Kagome's story.

"The youkai did not care, he kept his position that their son was the sole heir, and for the princess who was caught up in such situation could do nothing but; pray," the figure of the woman who was praying while stroking her large belly full of affection flashed in Kagome's mind, and she could only close her eyes. "Pray every day for their child, the human princess prays to be born a true—youkai."

Opening his eyes again, Kagome looked back at Shura a few times. "Because the human princess knew, that way their son would be safe and secure."

Shura's heart was very painful. He knew nothing, he had never heard this story for ten years of his life. So can he hear it now?

"Then winter came. The youkai advanced into battle with his army against the youkai who were eyeing the lives of the human princess and their son. As for the human princess waiting within the palace, she then—gave birth." once again, Kagome took a breath and continued her story. A beautiful smile on her face for the umpteenth time. "The birth process is not easy. Very difficult and when the child in his stomach was born—his son was born as a true youkai, according to the mother's prayer..."

Shura did not know what to react to hear the story. Prayer?—doa the mother? This the cause? Because he wants to be safe and secure?

"Miracle happened that day. The union between youkai and humans gives birth to true youkai. Something must be real" Kagome added, continuing with a smile that grew wider and wider. "The war is meaningless."

Miracle. Really so? Shura's mind raged, she didn't know what else to respond to the story she heard.

"The youkai world lost its reason to attack, and the war stopped completely after the youkai defeated the leader of the attacking youkai force," Kagome chuckled at the end of the story. "Their family can finally be reunited, the youkai, the princess and their son live happily— forever together..."

"Yeahhhh!" sakura shouted happily and clapped her hands at the finished fairy tale. He looked up at Shura. "Share Brother Shura?? This is Sakura's favorite story. Sakura is very fond of the princess and the youkai who love their child!"

Shura did not answer Sakura's question, she silently mutely with an unexplained facial expression and then closed her golden eyes.

"Sister Shura?" call Sakura confused to see the small inuyoukai that is not as usual.

Shiro, Mamoru, Aya and Maya remained silent. They did not make any sound since Kagome started her story to the end. Their gaze was directed at Shura, and they all could not hide the worries inwardly, afraid of the small inuyoukai reaction.

Kagome remained as calm as when she started the story. The fairy tale he always told for Sakura and now told to Shura was quite like this, ending happily with the cover— forever together.

Shura tried hard to control herself. The stories he heard shook his world. Like that? Happy endinghim forever together. Opening his eyes, the inuyoukai looked back at Kagome, desperately, trying to find her voice that seemed to be missing.

Kagome knows and she's waiting. Hearing her story, Shura must have had many questions, and she was willing to answer if the little inuyoukai asked, because this was all she could do now.

"H-hey," stammered, Shura began to open her mouth. His face was flat with no expression, but his golden eyes were shining full of hope of getting an answer despite being terrified as well. "A-is the princess happy? Is he happy for the rest of his life?"

Kagome's eyes widened at Shura's question. Of the many questions, he did not expect this to be the question that the little inuyoukai was asking.

Was the princess happy for the rest of her life?

Happy princess?— existing tears, cries of pain, forced smiles—painful memories filled Kagome's head. But, the gentle smile of a woman then took over. The shadow of the woman laughing with her son in the arms of the husband—it was a very beautiful sight. Therefore; happy?

"He's happy" Kagome replied and returned a gentle smile. "He's happy for the rest of his life..."

Yep. He was happy despite suffering greatly at the end of his life. Can be with the man he loves and their son, know their son will grow up safely and safely, he is happy—Rin happy.

Tears flowed down from Kagome's eyes without her being able to hold her back. "The princess is happy..."

....xoxOx....