Till The End Of Time [Inuyasha Fanfiction ]
The Chapter 170

All pairs of eyes were directed at Shura and his entourage. Fear is evident in the eyes of every human who manages to escape from their ruined village or town at the hands of youkai.

"Follow me." Arata could see clearly the fear of the villagers or the city. Their trauma to the youkai is understandable, because after all they are survivors after passing through hell in this world.

Shura and his entourage follow Arata. They are now in the hiding place of the remaining humans, a cave located not far from the place where they fought the youkai just now. Unlike what is seen from the outside, this cave is very large with hundreds of humans inhabiting it. With rooms and also clever rooms, this place is clearly a place of refuge. And most importantly, protected by wealth, all those in it - safe from the youkai outside.

Following Arata, Shura and the others entered a room. The room was quite large and a few humans sitting in it immediately set their sights on them.

"You are too late" said an old miko with a blindfold on her left eye. Staring at them, he looked not surprised by their existence here. "I've been waiting for you guys a long time."

"Qaeda-san?"

"Grandmother Kaeda?"

Inuyasha and the others were very surprised by the old miko who was none other than Kaeda in front of them. Only Shura and Tsubasa remained calm as they did not recognize him.

"Yes," Kaeda lazily replied not caring about their surprised expression. "It's me."

"Grandmother Kaeda!!! Thank goodness you survived!!" running around hugging Kaeda, Shiro laughed gratefully. After all Kaeda is a grandmother-like figure to her, it is the old miko who takes care of her and Sakura when her parents are busy with their work.

Kaeda was stunned for a moment by Shiro's sudden embrace, but, he then smiled and patted the back of the innuanyou quietly. "It's still not time for me to go out there, boy."

"Grandmother Kaeda, thank goodness you survived" Kagome said, repeating Shiro's words once again. After all they were indeed very grateful to see this old miko again. The current state of chaos was completely unpredictable to them, so they had no time to inform Kaeda before. They could only pray the old miko was fine and survived the calamity.

"You worry about something unimportant, Kagome," Kaeda laughed and looked at Kagome and the others. He could see their grateful gazes because he was fine. "You guys too. I'll live ten more years."

Inuyasha and the others smiled at Kaeda's words, and they all believed. For the old miko who has always been the place they came home first—he will definitely live longer than anyone.

Kaeda's gaze then fell on Shura who was standing silently silent with an expressionless face. Instantly, his facial expression softened. Releasing Shiro, he walked closer to the inuyoukai.

Shura did not move in the slightest, she returned Kaeda's gaze with emotionless eyes.

Kaeda doesn't need anyone to explain who this little inuyoukai in front of him is right now. Apparently, a copy of his real father had replied. Raising her right hand slowly, she gently stroked the inuyoukai's right cheek. "You grew up well. Rin-chan will definitely be very relieved in nature there."

Shura was stunned to hear Kaeda's words. A shocked and confused expression now filled his golden eyes, did this old miko recognize her biological mother?

Kaeda then removed her right hand and wiped away the tears on her face. Seeing the son who was so loved by the woman who was like a grandchild to him, the old miko remembered Rin again.

Rin's.

The most gentle human woman with the most beautiful heart she knows. He remembered laughter and smiles as beautiful as his spring, and he also remembered his tear-filled deed. Her life story is beautiful but it ends tragically.

"Is he the son of that human hime?" the voice of someone's question then sounded.

Shura set his sights on the two human nobles as well as a miko, monk and priestess who was behind Kaeda.

"Yukina-san, Hisei-san, Hikimaru-san?" Kohaku recognized the miko, the monk and the priest. They were none other than the leaders of the miko, monks and priests in Japan. Then, those two nobles, weren't they the Mio nobles and Hino nobles who attacked the western land palace ten years ago?

The views of Yukina and the others on Shura were not as hateful as they usually looked at youkai. In fact, their views are more disinclined and ashamed of him. It made the little inuyoukai wonder inwardly what was the cause. Does this have anything to do with her birth mother? Didn't they just say 'Human time' ?

"Yes, you're all right. Shura is the son of Rin-sama with Sesshoumaru-sama, the ruler of the western land." Kohaku explained.

Actually like Kaeda, both Yukina and the others including Arata had already realized who Shura was when he first saw her. They saw clearly the figure of Sesshoumaru ten years ago, so they couldn't possibly be unaware of such an incredible resemblance.

Silence filled the room. No one said a word, until Inuyasha's voice broke the silence. "Cih," sneered dislikefully, he looked at Yukina and the others disliked. "You still dare to bring Rin in front of his son? You guys are shameless!"

"Inuyasha." call Kagome quickly stop her husband.

Inuyasha didn't say anything more. Folding his hands on his chest, he threw away his face no matter what. He knew who was in front of him, and how dare they bring Rin up in front of Shura?—did they ten years ago that they so confidently wanted to kill those mother-daughter?

Arata and the others did not reply to Inuyasha's words. Stooping their heads down, they felt very embarrassed now, because the events of ten years ago made a clear imprint in memory. They came to kill, but they were the ones who were killed, and lastly they were saved by the woman they wanted to kill.

Shura was increasingly confused by what was happening between her birth mother and the humans in front. But, even though he was curious, he did not ask.

"Alright," Miroku who had been silent then interrupted. Now is not the time to discuss the past and blame those ahead. Looking at Kaeda, he smiled. "Qaeda-san, how did you know we were coming?"

"Of course you'll be here. Because I'm asking them to find you all the way to the hare mountain." Kaeda answered with a smile. Having managed to save himself along with some of the villagers from the invading youkai, he joined a human alliance consisting of miko, monks, priests, taijiya and the ruling nobility.

But, the human alliance could not do much against the youkai either. Therefore, when Kaeda heard the news of Shura's disappearance, Inuyasha and the others, as well as Sesshoumaru's corpse, he immediately knew that the human race still had hope. In the present chaos in the western lands, Sesshoumaru, the ruler of the only one who can control it, because the beginning of this chaos began is none other than because of the death of the inudaiyoukai itself.

Inuyasha and the others must have also realized that, then with the existence of Shura, they will definitely try to revive Sesshoumaru again. Therefore, their destination must be only one place, that is; the last resting place of Rin where tensaiga is located—mountain hare.

"So, how are you planning?" ask Kaeda again with a smile that widens.

Miroku smiled more and more broadly at Kaeda's smile. Actually, they have no plan. They just thought of heading towards the top of the hare mountain by using the safest path possible and returning to the neutral land village. But, it seems that it is no longer possible. There are so many Youkai everywhere. Their plan will not work.

"Yourselves," said Miroku and set his sights on Arata and the others. "What are your plans?"

"The hare mountain has now become a youkai nest" Arata said later. He returned Miroku's gaze and began to explain. "Thousands of youkai filled the mountain, and from the information we got, Shui, the white one was also on the mountain."

Shura and the others were not surprised to hear the information that Shui was in the hare mountain, as they had guessed it as well. Kaeda with minimal information could already guess their plan, it must be the same as the dragon youkai.

"So," Arata continued again and set his sights on Shura. "Let us help you."

....xoxOx....

Sakura sat quietly eating her dinner. He did not speak as much as usual, and it made Mamoru, Aya and Maya feel unusual.

"Sakura-chan," called Aya with a smile. "What if Sakura-chan sleeps with us tonight?"

Sakura raised her head staring at Aya for a moment and then shook her head. "No. Sakura will sleep alone in Sakura's room."

"Is Sakura-chan not lonely?" maya asks trying to help her twin sister.

"Sakura's not lonely." Reply Sakura the gkat and go back to eating her dinner.

Mamoru who saw Sakura could not say anything, inwardly, she cursed Shiro. How could he leave his sister like this and catch up with their parents?

Sighing, Mamoru then turned his gaze to the side where he could see Jaken who was also eating dinner. If only Shiro was as obedient as this frog youkai, then everything would have been easier.

The Jaken that Mamoru stared at immediately came to a realization. Returning that gaze, anger filled him. "What?? You're thinking why I'm still here, huh?? Just so you know, if Shura-sama had not asked me to look after Sesshoumaru-sama, I would have

overtake him earlier than the inuhanyou!!!"

Mamoru sighed once more. Yeah, right, if only Shiro was as fallen as Jaken. Why is this inuhanyou willing to take the danger?—he really does not understand.

"Sakura is done," Sakura said suddenly and stood up. Staring at Mamoru and the others, he said softly. "Sakura will return to the room."

Mamoru, Aya and Maya want to stop Sakura, but they haven't had time to do anything about it, the little innuanyou has already left the room.

Sakura who was walking towards her room instantly closed the meeting shoji door upon arrival. Alone in his room, his little hand then took out the jewel ball he found in the garden from behind his kimono. His golden eyes looked straight at the jewel. "Sakura was not at all lonely and alone."

....xoxOx....

"Sickness, mom!! I'm sorry!! I will not dare anymore!! I promise!!" shiro cried out for mercy to Kagome who pulled her dog's ears strong.

Inuyasha who was looking from the side did not stop Kagome at all. This time, Shiro did deserve punishment, how could he carelessly leave the neutral land village and follow them? Fortunately their distance was not far, he could not imagine what if they were unaware of the existence of Shiro who was attacked by the youkai.

Staring at Inuyasha who was unwilling to help her, even looking in Kagome's favor, Shiro turned to look at Shippo for help.

But, Shippo let out a long sigh and shook his head slowly. "This time, you were wrong, Shiro," Shippo said slowly. "I can't do anything for you."

Desperate, Shiro then looked at Shura. Hope arose in his heart, if he defended him now, he would definitely escape punishment, for it was no secret that his mother was so fond of the little inuyoukai.

Shura who saw the Inuyasha family remained as usual, she did not interfere or be interested at all, and most importantly, she did not care about Shiro's pleading eyes.

Tsubasa who also saw the Inuyasha of the family also did not comment, along with Inuyasha and the others in the near future, he was already aware, he was already conscious, there will be no long peace and quiet—they are always noisy.

Shiro who did not get any help at all grew even more desperate. He started to feel regret and thought if Sakura was here, because, his little sister would definitely help him as usual.

In this room now there are only Shura, Inuyasha, Kagome, Shiro and Shippo, because Miroku, Sango and Kohaku are in different rooms with them.

"Anu, excuse me.." A man's soft voice sounded.

Looking at the source of the voice, Inuyasha, Kagome, Shiro and Shippo saw several men standing at the door of their room. They were all wearing makeshift armor and were clearly soldiers. With fruit and eating in hand, nervousness was clearly visible on their faces.

"Yes!! Please enter!!" yell Shiro quickly. He stared joyfully and thankfully at the soldier at the door, for they are his helpers now.

Kagome was inevitably forced to let go of her hand which pulled Shiro's ear, however, in her heart she had no intention of ending her son's punishment like this alone. When it was all over, he would make another calculation with her.

The soldiers who were welcome to enter by Shiro walked into the room carefully. This room was a room reserved for Shura and the others in the human evacuation cave. The rooms are quite large, and have quite surprising facilities considering they are where they are located. The bed, the table and even the closet in this room.

Putting fruit and food in hand on the table, the soldiers said nothing. However, they all looked increasingly nervous and agitated.

Shura stared at the fruit and ate at the table for a moment, it seemed like these humans were really trying hard to serve and win their hearts. From this room to food—they must be so desperate that they are willing to treat those consisting of youkai and hanyou like this.

"A-is this room comfortable enough?" stammered, the soldier who was at the front opened his mouth. Staring at Shura, he tried his hardest in every word he said. "J-if it's uncomfortable, just tell us."

Shura did not reply, he just stared back at the soldiers who immediately lowered their faces down.

"J-if you need something," said the soldier again with his voice increasingly trembling. Slowly, he again raised his face to look at Shura. "Tell us, we'll provide it."

Shura felt the strangeness of the human warriors in front of him, and it also felt Tsubasa, Inuyasha and Shippo. In this room there were many people, but why did they all just stare and say it all to Shura who was the youngest?

The human soldiers could see and feel the strange sight of Shura, Inuyasha and the family, Tsubasa and Shippo staring at them. Increasingly nervous, they all stared at each other as if seeking approval. Then, simultaneously, they looked back at Shura and lowered their heads. "Inuyoukai-sama!! Forgive us!!"

The sudden apology of the soldiers left everyone in shock, including Shura. What does this soldier's apology mean?

The room was silent without sound. The soldier who had asked Shura then raised his head. He could see the confusion on the faces of all those present, smiling sheepishly, he reopened his mouth. "We want to apologize to you for what we did ten years ago."

The soldier's words made Inuyasha and the others aware. They could guess the reason for the soldiers' apologies now. But not for Shura. He did not understand the meaning of the human speech in front of him at all.

"We—salah," said the soldier slowly. Swallowing, he then gathered all his courage. "Lalu—thank you."

Confusion filled Shura even more, she did not understand why the human in front of her apologized and now thanked her.

"—Thank you for your mother's generosity."

The mother word spoken by the human warrior made Shura stunned. He had not expected to hear the word 'Mother' from their mouths.

"All of us who are here should have died for our own mistakes" the soldier continued, scratching his head trying hard to cover up the guilt-mixed shame in his heart. "But, your mother, kisaki-sama—he brought us all to life. He told us to go home to our family— told us to be happy."

Shura did not move, he just kept silent and continued to hear the words of the soldier who told him about his beloved mother.

Laughing, the soldier looked at Shura, "Most of us who are here are indebted to him, therefore, whatever you need, tell us. We will definitely try our best to provide it."

Shura who still said nothing made the human soldiers become misbehaved and full of nervousness. Laughing once more, with their heads lowered in salute to the small inuyoukai, they then transmitted themselves and exited the room.

After the soldiers left, the room became quiet again. Shura's golden eyes were then directed at the food and fruit on the table. He knew that in this refugee cave, under the current circumstances, humans were short of food. Perhaps this is also the reason the humans want to help them reach the top of the hare mountain, because they will not last long.

But, looking at the food and fruit that were there, as well as their rooms that had pretty good facilities once again, Shura realized. Room, Food, courtesy and respect, as well as the attitude of those who accept a youkai seemed to be without rejection—it was all because of his birth mother.

Mother.

In Shura's memory, her mother is the most beautiful woman with the most charming laugh smile in the world—the noblest woman ever. Because of that, like what? What does her birth mother look like in someone else's eyes?

Looking at her head at everything in the room, Shura then opened her mouth. "What does he like? What kind of person is my mother?"

Kagome and everyone in the room were shocked by Shura's question. Because maybe this is the first time the inuyoukai asked them about Rin so blatantly.

What was her mother like?—what kind of woman did her father love? what kind of woman did Akihiko love until now? what kind of woman can make Tsubasa owe her? so is the neutral ground, and now—the humans.

Kagome smiled at Shura's question. There is a feeling of pleasure because finally inuyoukai it asks like this, although it can not be denied there is sadness because this baby grew up without knowing how extraordinary the woman who gave birth to it. "He is a miracle in this world."

Miracle.

Kagome's answer made Inuyasha, Shiro, Shippo and Tsubasa look at her. But, none of them wanted to correct the answer. Spring smiles and laughter on the beautiful face of the human woman was reflected in the memory of—Ya. That woman is a miracle in this world.

"Rin is the most beautiful miracle we've ever seen in this world."

....xoxOx....

Standing looking forward, Asano looked at the autumn forest before him. There was nothing strange about the scenery in front of him, leafless twigs, land covered in dry leaves, as well as the wind that blew strong enough.

Stepping forward a few steps, Asano raised his right hand as if he wanted to touch the air. Gathering the youki in his hand, he then pressed the air in front.

Prankkk

The sound of something breaking filled the forest, and instantly the scenery of the forest ahead changed. Asano's eyes could see clearly now, there was a beautiful valley and a sizable village in the distance—neutral hidden youkai village.

A wide smile filled Asano's old face, without looking back, he stepped forward, and behind him an army of eastern land youkai followed.

"Don't let anyone live."

....xoxOx....