Till The End Of Time [Inuyasha Fanfiction ]
Chapter 41's

A large full moon adorns the freezing winter night sky. In the garden of the eastern pavilion of the beautiful West Land Palace though there are no flowers blooming, on top of the beautifully prepared chairs, the youkai and hanyou from all over Japan sit down to enjoy the best sake and food served.

In the midst of the youkai and hanyou who were there, sitting opposite a large open stage in the middle of the crowd in the park, Sesshoumaru, the host sat with an expressionless face. The sound of laughter, the sound of singing, music and dancing in front of him did not catch his attention in the least. Staring around him, he could only think why he could agree to hold this party—his fifth birthday party was hundred and forty-eight.

"This palace hasn't had a party in a long time, and your birthday falls on the full moon earlier this season. It's time we celebrated."

It was a word Inukimi said to Sesshoumaru that suddenly appeared in her study a week ago after a year of not meeting. Mother who always wandered all corners of the land of Japan since her son served as the Ruler of the Land of the West, it often appears and disappears suddenly. But this time, his appearance, he demands and wants something unusual, namely; celebrating his own son's birthday party.

Sesshoumaru initially refused. However, his rejection ended immediately when Rin who entered his study heard what Inukimi said. Food, drink, singing, dancing, music and the arrival of familiar guests - a feast to celebrate Sesshoumaru's birthday. Quickly, the human girl sided with Inukimi and begged the Western Landlord's inuyoukai to hold the party in question.

"Let Rin prepare for everything! If Sesshoumaru-sama is busy, leave the birthday party of Sesshoumaru-sama to Rin. Rin will make Sesshoumaru-sama's birthday party the grandest and most unforgettable party by anyone present."

It was the word Rin said to her, with sparkling eyes and the wide smile of spring that she had always liked. He did not have the ability to resist back then, because he did not want the expression of happiness on his face to be replaced with disappointment.

"Do what you like."

The answer Sesshoumaru gave was greeted by Rin with joy. And as the girl said, in that week too, she eagerly took over as the chairman of the organizer of her birthday party. From invitations, party venues, food, sake, singing, music and dancing, the girl prepared her.

Sesshoumaru was actually amazed by Rin's work. Her birthday party was held at night in the garden of the eastern pavilion of the Western Land Palace. With the lantern fire as a light, surrounded by piled snow, Rin woke up the stage seating the guests— stage with a beautifully carved mahogany and painted red western emblem. The best quality Tatami with silk-clad pillows become the seat of the invitees. The best food and sake in all the land of Japan is prepared, and the best singing, musical instruments and dancing are performed. Just one look, everyone present would know and be able to feel, how lavish and majestic the birthday party was being held. A party that really showed everyone how prosperous and large the western lands were.

"What an amazing party, right, Sesshoumaru? It's not wrong for you to trust this important event to little Rin," said Inukimi, who sat next to Sesshoumaru. His eyes looked at the stage and his surroundings were full of satisfaction. "With this kind of ability, one day, she will be able to become a very great hostess."

Sesshoumaru did not say anything, but he agreed with what Inukimi said. From the seating position, Rin managed to prepare a place for the youkai and hanyou who attended according to the position and also the power of their clan without the slightest mistake, he said, so too with their food and drink. It seemed like the human girl really knew all the intricacies of the youkai world perfectly.

Observing the surroundings, Sesshoumaru could see, youkai and hanyou from the south sitting in front of him, youkai and hanyou from the east on the right, youkai and hanyou north on the left, and lastly, youkai and hanyou from the east on the right, youkai and hanyou from the west and neutral in the same row as him. Sesshoumaru could not hide a small grin that appeared on his face.

'Utilize everything you can use, no matter how small it is.'

The word that the youkai teachers had taught Rin, turned out to be really well understood by the human girl. Sesshoumaru realized, once, at a glance, this seating arrangement seemed to clarify to anyone present where they came from. However, behind it, seeing how quickly and familiar the clans under the western and neutral territory are intertwined in this party thanks to the party atmosphere, as well as the food-sake available, are, the purpose of this seating arrangement is one form of baiting so that the neutral youkai and hanyou clans are willing to join the west— to further enlarge and strengthen the territory of the West Land.

What a great hostess? No. gabe. Rin will not be a great hostess, she will certainly become an extraordinary hostess. Since a year ago, in addition to the political and power issues in the Western Land, Sesshoumaru had never again taken care of the palace matters. The problems of the residents, the supplies, the care of even the finances of the palace, all of which Rin held, and to that extent, under his hands, all went perfectly flawlessly.

Sesshoumaru admitted, the West Land Palace is now very different from the West Land Palace when he was a child. When he was a child, the western earth palace was a very dark, cold place without laughter. However, ever since Rin was around, as if bringing the sun in, the Palace of the West Land changed, becoming so bright, warm and full of laughter. Sesshoumaru did not hate the changes, and by the other residents, they loved him. Therefore, Rin is so respected and adored by them, even though the girl is a human being.

"Sesshoumaru-sama, Inukimi-sama," called out the heavy voice of a man suddenly. Staring at the source of the voice, Sesshoumaru saw a tiger youkai approaching them and saluted. "What an amazing party. You are truly amazing Inukimi-sama, this party will definitely imprint forever in the hearts of anyone present. "

"Thank you, Tobi. I'm glad you like this party" Inukimi laughed. "However, it wasn't me who prepared all this. My adopted daughter, Rin is the one who should receive your praise."

Hearing Rin's name being mentioned, Tobi's eyes immediately widened, a wide smile expanding on his face. "Rin-sama?" ask and then laugh. "That's it, huh? Rin-sama is always full of surprises."

Sesshoumaru just silently silent hearing Tobi's laughter. Tobi from the tiger clan. It was no secret that the leader of this tiger clan was very fond of Rin. The tiger clan until two years ago was a neutral clan, and had never been interested in joining the West in the least. However, thanks to Rin's meeting with Tobi on Sesshoumaru's invitation on the tiger clan to this palace, they eventually join forces. It seemed, the human girl he had brought to life did indeed have a strange charm that could make youkai take his side. With his naive, innocent and warm demeanor, there were actually already dozens of neutral youkai clans who had finally joined the west after getting to know him.

"Where is Rin-sama, Sesshoumaru-sama, Inukimi-sama?" ask Tobi again while looking around.

"That's right," added Kurokuma, the bear clan leader youkai from behind Tobi suddenly with a smile. "Where is Rin-sama, Sesshoumaru-sama, Inukimi-sama? We haven't seen him since we arrived at the Western Land Palace."

Sesshoumaru remained silent in silence not answering, there was a feeling of dislike that surfaced in his heart. His golden eyes could see how many eyes were now fixed on him, waiting for the answer where the human girl was.

"Little Rin will join us later," Inukimi laughed suddenly. "She was busy preparing for all the exciting events that would go on because she didn't want to disappoint the audience."

Inukimi's reply instantly made everyone smile with satisfaction. Rin will be there and join them later. That was the only thing they wanted to hear now, because that way they would have a chance to approach the human girl known as Hime-sama from the West.

Sesshoumaru who still remained silent could only clench his hands with an expressionless face upon hearing the laughter of the invitations. What was in the minds of the youkai and hanyou around him, he knew, and how dare they all think like that! Approaching Rin? Even though they are strong and powerful true youkai, none of them are worthy of Rin!

Inukimi who was sitting beside Sesshoumaru knew what was on his only son's mind, which was why, he laughed even louder. How unhappy his son is when a man stares at Rin and is attracted to her, maybe only he knows. This party, he was eager to see how this expressionless face expression of the Western Land Ruler was at the end of the party— when Rin presented his gift.

Not far from Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha sat with both hands folded on his chest, while his eyes stared in confusion as well as alert around him full of youkai and hanyou. " I don't understand, why would I sit here and attend a party like this?"

"Because this is the birthday party of big brother, Inuyasha." replied Kagome who sat beside the hanyou while bribing her to eat at Shiro who was two years old more in his lap.

"Yes! Precisely it! Why am I at the party!?" inuyasha replied again while looking at Kagome with a vexed expression.

"Here you go, Inuyasha," Miroku laughed, "We are rarely invited to a party like this" looking at Sango, Kohaku and his sons, he smiled. "Really, right?"

"Yes," Kohaku laughed happily as he sipped the sweet sake available to them. Sango nodded his head in approval, while for Aya, Maya and Mamoru, the three of them were eating a special delicacy for them with a voraciously full smile. Miroku is right, this party they attended, they don't know anymore, when will they experience again.

"Just enjoy this party, Inuyasha-san," Jinenji said suddenly from behind Inuyasha. Pouring sake on Inuyasha's cup, he smiled happily. "You should know, how hard Rin-chan has struggled to get around all this."

Inuyasha said nothing upon hearing Jinenji's words. He can only sigh slowly. Had it not been for the invitation Rin had written, as well as the luxurious carriage that had been prepared for them, to their death, Inuyasha would have been unlikely to have attended this feast.

"The West Land Palace is a pleasant place, Inuyasha-san," Jenenji laughed softly. "You're all gonna love it."

Inuyasha still did not say anything, he just sipped his pocket cup while closing his eyes. Since a year ago, Jinenji has officially been living in the Western Land Palace and became the Tabit Palace. It seems like Sesshoumaru acknowledged hanyou's skill. And actually, Inuyasha was quite surprised when he saw that anyone present at this party, there were a lot of hanyou. Thinking inwardly, he could only second-guess, did that half-brother now no longer hate hanyou? No longer hate humans? If that's true, how could that be?

"You're Inuyasha, right?" ask an old monkey youkai suddenly while sitting right in front of Inuyasha. He was wearing a kimono and a black hakama, in a harness. His green eyes looked straight at the hanyou, while his hands stroked his long white genitals. "You look a lot like Taisho. And that's your son, right?" he asked again as he looked at Shiro who was in Kagome's lap and laughed loudly. "He was also very similar to that dog."

"Who are you?" inuyasha asked confusedly as he looked straight at the monkey youkai in front of him.

Stop laughing, youkai the monkey smiled broadly."My name, Kenji. I was a friend of your father when he was alive."

"Eh?!" inuyasha exclaimed in surprise with wide eyes, as did the others.

"Looking at you and Sesshoumaru sitting in the same room without raising a sword as now, I guess Taisho will be overjoyed in the afterlife" Kenji laughed again. Rising from his seat, the monkey youkai then sits beside Inuyasha. Not caring about Hanyou's sight and the surrounding humans, he took the sake cup in Inuyasha's hand and gulped it down. "

"Kenji-sama!" call Myoga who is on Inuyasha's shoulder gleefully and jump on Kenji's shoulder. "For a long time no see, Kenji-sama!"

"Myoga," call Kenji while staring at the little flea youkai. "Yes, long time no see. And it looks like you're doing fine."

"You know him, Myoga?" inuyasha asked softly with a frown.

"Inuyasha-sama, he is Kenji-sama, the leader of the monkey clan, a friend as well as the right hand of your father and Sesshoumaru-sama during life."

Myoga's answer made Kenji laugh out loud. "I didn't expect to see you here again, Myoga. It never occurred to me that Sesshoumaru would return to mentor your presence, hanyou," his eyes then fell on Kagome, Miroku and the others, "Even the humans in this palace."

Inuyasha and the others said nothing. But, they all agreed with what the monkey youkai said.

"Rin-rin is great" Kenji smiled again. "Hime-sama from the West is indeed quite extraordinary."

"Rin-rin's? Hime-sama from the West? You mean Rin-chan, huh?" ask Kagome confused.

Kagome's question makes Kenji stare at the miko. Nodding his head, he laughed again. "Yes. Rin-rin. In the youkai world, she is famous as Hime-sama from the West. No one can deny that he is the cause of Sesshoumaru who used to hate humans so much and only now tolerates them."

"Curtain," Inuyasha sneered while throwing his face away. "We don't need the slightest tolerance for our existence on that son of a bitch."

"That's for you, Inuyasha," Kenji replied as he looked around him, "But not for all the hanyou and humans in the West."

"You mean?"

Not staring at Inuyasha, Kenji again gulped down that sake hanyou. "Hanyou and the humans in the Western Land are very grateful for the attitude of their new Ruler now, Inuyasha. Not all are strong like you, let alone fragile humans. The tolerance given by Sesshoumaru, the complete permission for them to join the Western Land has given them protection."

"Protection? The sesshoumaru? You're dreaming, aren't you?" cibir Inuyasha again did not believe Kenji's explanation.

"No. Kenji-sama is right, Inuyasha-san," said Kohaku who was silent from earlier. "During my journey of becoming Taijiya, I knew what Kenji-sama said was true. Hanyou and the humans in the Western Land, now, live in peace, prosper and full protection from any attack now."

Looking at the faces on Kohaku, Inuyasha, Kagome and the others stared in disbelief at the young taijiya's speech. Those who after having a family rarely travel across Japan again, therefore, this is the first time they hear the shocking news.

"Sesshoumaru-sama as the new ruler imposed regulations. And to be honest, the rules are very good and make everything satisfied, be it human, hanyou or youkai."

"Rules?"

"Yes" Kohaku smiled again. "One of them, the humans had to pay taxes to the Western Land Palace, in exchange, he gave full protection from all attacks. Then, neither youkai nor hanyou should attack humans, and in exchange, the Western Land Palace provided assistance to their clans at all times."

"Then it's the poor man" Inuyasha said. "I'll bet, the taxes must be very high. That bastard will definitely take all-out advantage of humans."

"You're wrong, Inuyasha," cut off Kenji, his head raised staring at the full moon above the sky. "The tax requested is very small, and also, assistance from the West Land Palace is always given if it turns out that there are human villages or cities that need help."

"I can't believe it!" yell Inuyasha. "The youkai under the western land area would definitely not be likely to be satisfied with the small tax wages paid. Submitting beings like them will definitely not be satisfied."

Kenji laughed and turned his head to look at Inuyasha. "hand over? You may be right. But, you may not know, all the youkai and hanyou clans under the Western Lands are those who swear allegiance by blood to their rulers. What their Sovereign ordered was absolute, they would forever obey him. Especially, the real commandment is also very beneficial to them."

Inuyasha speaks a thousand languages. He can't find the words to reply to Kenji's words. However, he still disagreed, Sesshoumaru could not be such a person! Inuyoukai is cruel, cold and heartless.

"Sesshomaru was an extraordinary ruler, Inuyasha. He is strong, smart and charismatic" Kenji continued, staring at Sesshoumaru with his green eyes. "And honestly, it never occurred to me that she could be like this just yet. Now, under his leadership, the West has reached the pinnacle of success. He's a much better leader than Inu No Taisho."

The praise for praise directed at Sesshoumaru made Inuyasha unable to bear it anymore. "No! He was cold and heartless! He who is like that cannot be a bis- "

"You're right. Your brother is too cold and blind to feelings, even all this time, I've never seen the slightest expression on his face except when he was a baby" cut Kenji again. But a moment later, he smiled. "That's why Rin-rin exists."

"Rin? What does Sesshoumaru's attitude have to do with Rin's existence?"

Kenji laughs loudly "Because Rin-rin is a b—" Kenji's answer is interrupted as the sound of an exclamation of admiration is suddenly heard filling the park where they are.

"Akiko," said Kenji slowly as he stared at the female youkai that captured the attention of all the audience. "The female fox, Asano's only daughter, the Lord of the Eastern Lands."

"It's so pretty that youkai. Do you think she'll be willing to be Mamoru's wife someday, father?" mamoru asked suddenly grabbing the attention of Inuyasha and the others.

"I don't think—and I don't want a daughter-in-law who turns out to be much older than me." Miroku replied with a nervous smile. His son inherited all of his traits. Sango could only sigh in despair, whereas Inuyasha, Kagome and the others could only shake their heads.

Akiko who walked up to Sesshoumaru could see how all eyes were on him who had been recognized as the most beautiful youkai in the youkai world. However, he paid no heed to it, putting on the most beautiful and flirting smile, he looked straight at the Western Land Ruler who was sitting expressionlessly in front of him.

"Happy birthday, Sesshoumaru-sama. Servant, Akiko, Princess Asano, the Lord of the East Land, replaces the servant's father to attend this feast." bowed slowly, and, Akiko showed clearly the entire bow of her body wrapped in a thin and tight kimono on the inuyoukai in front of her.

Since first seeing Sesshoumaru who visited the Eastern Land a few years ago, Akiko has decided that it is she who will become the legal partner of the inuyoukai. Looking at his appearance, strength and power, the fox youkai knew he would not find anyone more perfect than him.

Sesshoumaru simply nodded his head. Not one bit was he interested in the female youkai that was in front of him.

"Hamba brought a gift from the servant's father, Sesshoumaru-sama," Akiko smiled again. The two ladies behind him immediately walked forward and showed the gift in question, namely; silk cloth and jewels. "The finest silk and jewels of the east. May it be about your heart."

Sesshoumaru still did not say anything, he just stared for a moment at the gift with an expressionless face.

"Seshou"

"Thank you," Inukimi cut down beside Sesshoumaru suddenly in a flat and bored voice. Clapping his hands he called out to the ladies behind him. "Take the Princess from the East to her place. I don't want this party to stop any longer than this."

Akiko wanted to protest Inukimi's remarks, he who had prepared himself to approach and tempt the Western Land Ruler did not want to waste the opportunity. However, in order to keep the east's good name, by putting on a sweet smile, he lowered his head in agreement as a sign of respect.

Inukimi who saw Akiko walking to her seat could only put on a bored and dislike face. The female fox was trying to seduce her son, she knew it, and as a mother, she didn't like it. The son he raised so perfectly, was too good for that greedy and shameless female fox.

Staring around him again, Inukimi then smiled slightly. No other landlord was present at this feast, they all just sent a substitute. The East sent Akiko, the North sent Heihimaru, the right-hand buffalo youkai Takeru, the Northern Land Ruler, and the South sent Tsubasa, Akihiko's favorite concubine, the Southern Land Ruler. It seemed like the relationship of the west with the other three regions was not that good, however, it also did not seem that bad. The absence of the ruler, but the presence of their important successor, it is clear that the other three regions now respect and at the same time watch out for the west which is growing stronger and bigger.

"As a former Western Land Ruler, I tell you, Sesshomaru, you are truly my successor and a great Taisho. The West has now really been very strong." praise Inukimi softly without turning her face to her son.

Inukimi's praise didn't make Sesshoumaru feel anything, he just snorted softly. Extremely powerful? Of course, the west is now his, something he has long wanted to build and become one of his life goals—creating an unparalleled west.

However, not long after, amidst the sound of laughter as well as music playing out, Sesshoumaru and Inukimi's noses suddenly managed to catch the faint smell of spring in the air. Looking up at the front of the stage, Inukimi's eyes saw that the performers had stopped their music, while the dancers quickly stepped foot down from the stage. Smiling a grin, the inuyoukai knew, this was the highlight of this party that was taking place. "Well, now," she laughed softly. "Let's enjoy this party."

The lantern lights surrounding the party venue suddenly went out in quick succession and confused the audience. The help of the full moon light in the sky as well as the sharpness of their average eyes are youkai and hanyou still make them able to look around well. However, the audience had yet to reveal any confusion in their hearts, their eyes suddenly becoming pitch-black, as if a black cloth had closed their eyes, including Sesshoumaru and Inukimi.

"What the fuck?" inuyasha shouted with caution. This sudden darkened look was the work of youkai, only you were sure of it. Is this party a trap? Traps are set up to kill everything there is.

Amidst the panic of everything, the sound of a continuous gust accompanied by the excerpt of a melodious lute suddenly sounded. Then, all of a sudden, in the blink of an eye, the dark vision that enveloped the view of all that was in the garden disappeared. Instantly, all of those present instantly fell silent with their eyes wide open, holding their breath, Sesshoumaru was no exception.

In the middle of the stage. Under the overflow of full moon light, a human girl stood with her eyes closed. She was wearing a beautiful long red kimono with gold embroidery on the western side. His long hair that was as black as the starless night sky was neatly arranged with flowers and gold konde skewers as decorations. Eyelashes are very long and pliable, nose is sharp, skin as white as snow and lips as red as blood - how beautiful the girl seems to make time stop.

Opening her big brown eyes slowly, the girl then looked straight at Sesshoumaru who was right in front of her. A spring smile immediately flashed across the girl's face as their eyes met - a smile that managed to make the inuyoukai could see nothing more but the human girl in front of him; Rin.

In the full gaze of admiration of all that is. Following the flowing music, stepping foot, Rin raised her hand and opened her mouth to sing a song she had composed herself for the inuyoukai in front of her. This was a gift from him, a dance and a song that would only be presented to Sesshoumaru as long as he existed.

Anata wa totemo kanpekina

(You're so perfect )

Sesshoumaru's eyes wide open to hear the lyrics of the song sung melodious sound like the clink of the bell. Unable to move she can only continue following every dance move of the girl in front of her.

Me no mae ni nani yori mo ichiban utsukushi sugata

(In my eyes you are so beautiful)

Shitau koto wa anata

(You make myself will always adore you)

Looking at Sesshoumaru again, Rin smiled again. Shaking her hands, stepping her feet slowly and gracefully, continuing her dance to the music, she poured out all her feelings; trying to convey what she felt to the inuyoukai, through the lyrics of the song, sounds and dances are there.

Mai ippo anata no koto wo omoidasu

(In every step of the way, I don't always think of you)

Anata wa sonzai shinai jinsei omou koto ga dekinai

(I can't imagine my life without you)

Every lyric that Rin sung, Sesshoumaru could only be stunned. In the light of the full moon, in each of her movements and leaps of graceful dance, the inuyoukai no longer knew, where she would be able to see the incredible beauty before her now

Golden eyes meet brown eyes.

The smile on the human girl's face became even wider and more beautiful. Rin didn't lie about what he was singing. Without Sesshoumaru, he knew, he would never exist. Food, drink, clothing, shelter, smiles, laughter and even happiness; it was all inuyoukai's giving. Today, to him, he wanted to tell, how important the existence of such inuyoukai in the life of a weak human like himself.

Watashi no soba ni kara

(Do not leave me)

Subete wo norikireru koto wa nai kara

(Will not be able to face all)

Anata to ironna koto toorinukeru

(Only with you I can)

Snow slowly descended from the sky. Sesshoumaru's golden eyes could see him holding his breath, in the snow, in the middle of winter where there were no flowers blooming, in his garden, a flower had bloomed. Rin is now like a red flower in winter, in the snow, so beautiful, holy, pure and untarnished the flower she will keep with her own life.

'Don't leave me'

The lyrics of the song, the plea in the song. It was the human girl's plea, a plea she dared not utter; her greatest fear. The world will be dark, all will be meaningless. If he can no longer be with the inuyoukai, Rin knows; he is devastated.

Anata wa watashi no shinzo

(You are my blood)

Anata wa watashi no chi

(You are my heart)

Anata wa watashi no jinsei

(You are my life)

Warmth filled Sesshoumaru's heart. It's so warm to the point. How the sound of the song and the lyrics of the song imprinted in his heart, how he would never forget and be content to hear the lyrics addressed to him by the human girl. He is his blood, his heart— his life.

Blood, heart, then—live.

Those words, that was the true meaning of the existence of the inuyoukai for a human girl named Rin. His blood still flowing in his veins was because of that inuyoukai, his heart was still beating as well because of that inuyoukai and his life was now that inuyoukai gift. He was able to live because Sesshoumaru existed, he had already noticed it a long time ago when he opened his eyes again on his second life in the inuyoukai.

To Rin, Sesshoumaru; he is his life.

Anata no okage de watshi wa kanzen ni natta

(Furn me )

Itoshii hito e anata wa totto

(My dear you are so )

Smile again expands on Rin's face. How much he loved it, did the inuyoukai know? How happy was he when he was next to her? How much she needs nothing more, how much she will not care about anything else - how complete she is just by being next to him, how often does the little girl want to ask him; do you know Sesshoumaru-sama?

Eyes still clashed; gold and brown.

There's nothing else. Now, in this garden, for the inuyoukai and the human girl, there are only two of them; Sesshoumaru and Rin. All are conveyed, the feelings of the human girl to him; the fear, the supplication and the meaning of her existence, all of which, now, have been well conveyed.

Kanpeki...

(Perfect )

Ending her dance and singing, the human girl's eyes kept staring straight at the inuyoukai eyes in front of her. Not for a second did she take her eyes and eyes off the inuyoukai in her dance, as did the inuyoukai. The smile on his face grew more and more, becoming the most beautiful smile he ever showed—smi that really managed to shake the world inuyoukai it.

Yep! Sesshoumaru, he was indeed cold and rarely showed his expression. Many said he was cruel, and that inuyoukai, too, sometimes did not hesitate to kill anyone who made him angry. But, for Rin, in Rin's eyes long ago, there was only one word that he knew could explain this beautiful, powerful, powerful inuyoukai that he loved more than his own life...

Perfect.

....xoxOx....