Till The End Of Time [Inuyasha Fanfiction ]
Chapter 81's

Blue sky with warm spring sunshine above. In the cherry blossom garden of the southern earthen palace, Rin who was wearing a white silk kimono sat quietly staring at the cherry blossoms above with a smile on her face. Today is the last day of hanami in the southern land palace held for three days and three nights. This afternoon, this hanami party is officially coming to an end.

Lowering his head, Rin then looked around. Unlike the previous days, today, the atmosphere of the park is really very quiet and peaceful. The southern youkai are silent about eating their food and drinking sake, although sometimes, their eyes will be on him. The music played on stage did not interest them anymore.

The fight between Sesshoumaru and Akihiko, as well as the meido seki who showed his strength, all the southern youkai already knew it–there was no way they could hide such messy traces of chaos, right?

Rin could only be thankful that Akihiko was commanding the southern youkai not to bother or ask him about what happened. Although honestly he also doubted whether there were youkai who dared to approach him now.

In this sakura garden, he now sits with Inuyasha on his left side, Sesshoumaru on the right, and Kira and Kiri on the back. Like guards, the four of them could make a tremble with the southern youkai that existed.

"Hey!! See what you guys are!!??" inuyasha shouted suddenly with a loud vexation. He was no longer able to hold back with his eyes fixed on Rin.

No one cared about Inuyasha, they all pretended not to understand what he said.

"Inuysha, sit down" interrupted Kagome who was to the right of Inuyasha. "Before I force you."

Inuyasha was silent at Kagome's words. Sitting back slowly, he did not dare to act anymore. His two golden eyes could only stare at his wife who was eating quietly.

"Just ignore everyone's views, Inuyasha" said Sango who was beside Kagome smiling.

"Right," agreed Miroku laughed as he gulped the sake in hand. "Just enjoy it before the hanami party ends."

Inuyasha clucked not liking to hear the words of his best friend. Folding his hands on his chest he threw away his face, how in can he enjoy this hanami again after what happened? He really did not understand the thoughts of Kagome, Miroku and Sango.

Sesshoumaru silently silently stared at Kagome and the others. In fact, he really did not want to stay in the south any longer. But he also can't do anything about it when Kagome forbids them from leaving the south so quickly for Rin's health.

"Ri." A voice calling his name suddenly rang out and made Rin turn her head to look at the owner of the voice. A smile filled his face as he looked at who it was; akihiko.

"Akihiko-sama." call Rin happy.

Akihiko walked up to Rin, followed by Tsubasa and Koga who were silent from behind. A gentle smile filled the handsome face of the ruler of the southern land. Sitting in front of the human girl, the smile on her face grew softer.

The eyes of Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha as well as Kira and Kiri looked at Akihiko, although they remained silent. However, the ruler of the southern lands did not care. "I hope you can enjoy Hanami's last day."

"We'll be able to enjoy it if you're not in front of us." said Inuyasha with both hands still folded in the chest.

Akihiko didn't care about Inuyasha, as if inuanyou wasn't there. He then laughed seeing Rin nodding his head.

"I heard you're going back west tomorrow" Akihiko continued. His voice remained friendly. "You don't intend to stay any longer in the south?"

"Rin has been leaving the west for too long, Akihiko-sama" replied Rin with a smile, he was unaware of the changes of the inuyoukai and the stareful inuanyou disliking Akihiko.

"That's it, huh?–I understand. Then," Akihiko said slowly. Slowly, he then turned his face to Sesshoumaru. His sky blue eyes were shining with challenge. "You don't mind if I visit the western land palace, do you, Sesshoumaru?"

"You!!!?" inuyasha shouted with anger. She really doesn't understand Akihiko. Does he not know the meaning of the word surrender? After what he did, he was still thinking of getting Rin?

However, Sesshoumaru's reply from earlier was silent making everyone there surprised. "All right."

In disbelief, the eyes of all who were there including Rin stared wide open at Sesshoumaru.

Sesshoumaru's golden eyes stared back at Akihiko's sky-blue eyes full of challenges as well. Slowly, both ends of his lips lifted up, forming a smile. "This sesshoumaru will definitely invite you to the western land palace in the near future."

Akihoki was stunned to see Sesshoumaru's smile. However, his stunned expression immediately turned into a disdainful expression. A grinning smile also appeared on his handsome face. "I'll wait for your invitation."

Rin who saw the grinning smile on Sesshoumaru's face and Akihiko did not know what to do, because he could feel clearly, the already strange atmosphere was getting strange now.

"Yes!" kagome's voice suddenly rang out breaking the strange atmosphere. The future Miko smiled looking at Rin. "Rin-chan, how about you just sit next to me and Sango?"

Rin turned his head to look at Kagome in confusion. However, with a smile still on his face, the future miko laughed indifferently to the two daiyoukai who were looking at him sharply. "Come Rin-chan. This Hanami will be like a funeral if you continue to be there."

"I agree with you, weird miko." interrupted someone suddenly. From the top of the sakura tree someone jumped down hugging Rin tightly. "This hanami is really like a funeral despite the abundance of food and sake."

"I-mother." call Rin in surprise.

"Come," paid no attention to Rin's reaction, nor Sesshoumaru and Akihiko. Inukimi instantly pulled the human girl and took her beside Kagome and Sango. Laughing, the former ruler of the western lands raised sake that did not know since when it was in his hands. "Now we are looking for entertainment to brighten the atmosphere."

"Yes, you're right Inukimi-san." Sango agrees with the spirit. Looking at Rin, he then smiled. "Rin-chan, would you mind singing to enliven Hanami's last day?"

"Eh??" rin was surprised.

"True, too" Inukimi smiled. His golden eyes looked at Rin joyfully. "For a long time mother did not hear your singing, little Rin. You haven't danced in a long time either."

"Eh??" rin once again. He is confused not knowing how to reject the idea of Sango and Inukimi. Bending his head down, he answered stammeringly. "Sorry, Rin can't sing and dance.."

"Why?" ask Kagome confused. How much Rin loved singing and dancing, she knew. His talent was also extremely outstanding, therefore, why would he not want to sing and dance?

Rin did not answer, biting her lower lip, she lowered her head.

Rin's reaction instantly made Inuyasha, Kagome, Sango, Miroku and Inukimi turn their heads to look at Sesshoumaru. It wasn't difficult for them to guess the reason the human girl wasn't singing and dancing anymore must have something to do with that inuyoukai. Only sesshoumaru could make Rin like that.

"What did you do to Rin, you son of a bitch?" ask Inuyasha. His golden eyes stared intently at Sesshoumaru who did not move in the slightest.

"T-no, Inuyasha-sama," Rin interrupted quickly. He immediately raised his head staring at Inuyasha full of panic. "It has nothing to do with Sesshoumaru-sama."

However, Rin's eyes were then directed at Sesshoumaru. His face instantly reddened due to a pair of golden eyes that were looking gently at him. He lies, he is caught lying in front of the inuyoukai. But–promise that day, he had no intention of breaking it.

A warm feeling filled Sesshoumaru's heart to see Rin still holding onto his promise. The human girl was dumb and innocent by his selfishness.

"Sister," Kagome smiled. Rin's red face and Sesshoumaru's gentle gaze did not escape his eyes. What happened between the two of them?– maybe no one will know. "You can't monopolize Rin-chan like that."

The word monopoly Kagome uttered made Sesshoumaru stare at the miko.

However, as usual, Kagome did not care. He smiled wider. "You can't strangle Rin-chan like that, she won't be happy. You should have let him go free."

Kagome's words made Sesshoumaru stunned. Looking at Rin who was still bowing her head down, the first time she realized, had she made a mistake?

Why doesn't she want Rin to sing and dance?–because the girl is too beautiful. He did not want to share that beauty with others. But, did the girl not want to sing and dance in front of others?

"Ahh, I don't care!" inukimi shouted suddenly. Standing up, he stepped forward and shouted loudly, he ordered the music players who were on the stage down. "You guys get down here!!"

The confused music performers on stage stared at Akihiko. As they saw the southern land lord nodding their heads, they immediately descended down and stood in front of Inukimi.

"Play a cheerful tone." Inukimi ordered with a smile.

Not wasting time, the music players immediately played their musical instruments. Cheerful tones soon filled the garden.

Not wasting any time, Inukimi immediately walked up to Rin. Stretching out his hand, he pulled the human girl to his feet, as did Kagome and Sango. Laughing loudly, he then shouted to all the youkai in the garden. "Come on!! Dancing!! We all dance!!"

Kagome and Sango laughed, drawing Rin who was still confused they then danced to the music that filled the garden. Miroku who saw also laughed, excitedly the monk stood up and pulled Inuyasha, Kira and Kiri to follow them.

The confused Rin looked at Sesshoumaru. However, seeing that the inuyoukai was nodding its head, a smile filled its face. Moving her hands and feet, full of laughter, she followed the movement.

I don't know who started it. However, slowly the southern youkai stood up and joined in the laughter-filled dance, with Akihiko, Koga and Tsubasa also taking part.

Dancing near Rin and laughing with her, Akihiko laughed loosely. However, Inuyasha who was beside came to interject and separate them, as well as for Koga who approached Kagome.

A commotion ensued, though the dance did not stop. The sound of laughter and the sound of music kept flowing. Forming an irregular and very messy line, everything in the garden was dancing happily. The sakura park that was once quiet, was again crowded. But this time with cheerful music, stomping feet, clapping hands, smiles and laughter.

Sesshoumaru did not participate in the crowd, sitting quietly on the spot, he just continued to stare at Rin. Her golden eyes followed every footstep and gentle movement of the human girl–following every smile and laughter of the girl's happiness.

Blissfulness.

Sesshoumaru recalled how worried he was when he saw Rin lying unconscious. Seeing the chaos, seeing so many who love the girl, she hoped that she would forever see only one, only love her.

However, seeing the girl happy now, she was conscious; she wanted Rin to always be happy. How much he wanted the girl to always smile, laugh and–happily.

Rather than a pair of closed clear brown eyes, Sesshoumaru wanted those eyes open. He wanted the girl to always smile and laugh like this. It's okay even if the smile isn't aimed at her, even if the laughter belongs to someone else, though maybe they won't be with you because the girl is alive and happy.

The selfishness to have, the selfishness to hide Rin from the world, it is the love of Sesshoumaru. But now, her love has changed. Her laughter and smile resuscitated her her her love now is a love that only expects the girl to be happy.

If Rin can smile and laugh, if Rin can be happy, if Rin can live–Sesshoumaru willingly do anything, including; die for him.

Inu no Taisho and Izayoi.

Isn't the love of the father he so revered a love like that? The love that makes a daiyoukai ruler of the land of Japan willingly die for the sake of a man–Sesshoumaru fully understand now, it turns out this is how his father loves; their love is the same.

Raising his head above the blue sky, Sesshoumaru closed his eyes. "This sesshoumaru understands now, Ayahanda.." he muttered softly.

....xoxOx....

The reddish twilight sky had replaced the blue sky, the hanami mark was about to end. Rin who was sitting next to Sesshoumaru laughed and clapped his hands at the performance on stage.

Looking over at Sesshoumaru, Rin smiled. "The hanami will be over soon, Sesshoumaru-sama."

"B-but, why does Rin feel there is still less, huh?" muttered Rin slowly. His smile disappeared replaced by a small frown that filled his forehead as he thought of something.

"What are you thinking, Rin-chan?" kagome asked, she looked at the confused girl. Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku, Inukimi, Kira and Kiri are also next to Kagome.

"This hanami is already in line with what Rin thought. Sakura, food, drinks, songs, dances, games" Rin explained quickly. "But, for the cover of spring, like there is less.."

"Hmnn.." muttered Kagome confusedly trying to think of an answer for Rin as well as the others. But they did not find the answer.

"Rin." Sesshoumaru's heavy and flat voice suddenly sounded making all turn their heads at the silent inuyoukai from earlier.

Gently gazing with her pair of golden eyes at the human girl, Sesshoumaru softly said. "Singing and dancing to close this hanami you love."

"Eh?" rin's eyes widened in disbelief hearing Sesshoumaru's words.

"Singing and dancing." Sesshoumaru repeated once again. "This shakuhachi will play for you."

Rin was speechless with wide eyes in disbelief hearing Sesshoumaru's words. So did the others, especially Inuyasha and Inukimi.

However, it did not care about their reactions. Sesshoumaru got up and reached out to Rin who still did not believe what he heard.

"Rin." call Sesshoumaru again and wake Rin up.

With trembling hands in disbelief, Rin slowly receives a helping hand from Sesshoumaru and lets the inuyoukai guide him towards the musical performers on stage. The music players instantly stopped their music as soon as they saw who was walking up to them.

"I'm dreaming, huh? Sesshoumaru wants to play shakuhachi? In front of this many people??" inuyasha said in disbelief staring at Sesshoumaru's back in the distance.

Kagome and the others did not reply to Inuyasha's words, for they still did not believe what had happened.

Sesshoumaru and Rin who walked to the front of the music players with their hands connected instantly attracted the attention of all those within the park, not least; akihiko.

The music players immediately left the stage as soon as shakuhachi was handed over to Sesshoumaru. With a face without expression, the inuyoukai guided Rin to the center of the stage, where all eyes could see him clearly.

"This is what is lacking, Rin." said Sesshoumaru then quietly. His left hand gently stroked the human girl's head. "You haven't been singing and dancing freely during the spring of this year."

Raising his head to look at Sesshoumaru, Rin was stunned. However, for a moment, a smile adorned his face.

Singing and dancing in the spring. It was Sesshoumaru's routine with him every season. Right, he still hasn't sung and danced to this inuyoukai. Not this hanami is lacking, but indeed this spring there is still less–song and dance.

Releasing his hand, Sesshoumaru then walked back. Lifting the shakuhachi in hand, slowly, he began to blow and play a tone that moved up and down beautifully.

Rin who was in the middle of the stage closed her eyes as soon as the sound of shakuhachi captured her ears. A smile adorned his face. He knew the tone of the music Sesshoumaru was playing. The familiar tone–ini the song he created for inuyoukai was last spring.

Opening his brown eyes. Slowly, Rin raised her hand up and started dancing. Moving while laughing, he opened his mouth and started singing.

Sakura

hira mai ochiru

momo’iro no hanabira

tsunaida kimi no te wo

gyutto nigitta

Rin's voice captured the attention of all who were. A melodious and clear voice, soft and also warm– makes anyone who hears it stunned.

sakura tsudzuku massugu na michi

kaze ga futari wo sotto tsutsumu

tonari aruku dake

konna shiawase

kanjirareru nante

shirarnakatta's

The wind blew, bringing down the falling cherry petals. Falling down, petals like a race to dance with human girls who are singing and dancing beautifully.

hira mai ochiru

momo’iro no hanabira

kisetsu ga wiretemo

zutto soba ni

Moving gracefully, Rin spun around and continued dancing. In the red of the twilight sky, she looks like a white butterfly among the blossoming cherry blossoms– very pretty.

kimi no sugata ga mieru

naze ka itsumo anshin

kurushii koto ga aru

kimi ni sasaerarete

koto ga aru

tsutaetakute

A beautiful smile on the face and a pair of sparkling clear eyes. The raised hand in every movement or stepping follows the voice of shakuhachi, then, the love song sung by–the human girl is the epitome of a warm and free soul.

ima waratta kao mo's

yobu koe mo

kimi jyanakya dame da yo

dou ka shitte’ite

Akihiko stared at Rin motionless, his two sky blue eyes unable to be distracted from the beauty he saw. He had already heard about the dance and song of that very famous human girl, yet, now, saw her; he could only fall in love and continue to fall in love.

More beautiful than flowers, freer than butterflies, more dazzling and warmer than the sun. Although it can't be had–how does his heart not want to beat for him? How could he not want it?

tatta hitori no hito

mitsuketa ki ga shiteru

the tonari de kimi mo

onaji kimochi nara …

Sesshoumaru blew the shakuhachi in the hand quietly. His two golden eyes looked at Rin fixedly. A small smile filled his handsome face. He could see the happiness that emanated from the girl–in every movement, the sound of singing and the smile of laughter on the face.

Such a beautiful and shining figure, Rin who sings and dances freely is the figure he loves the most. He would not selfishly tie her up and hide her again. Unstuck and always happy - that's the real Rin.

hira mai ochiru

momo’iro no hanabira

kisetsu ga wiretemo

zutto soba ni

The singing voice stopped, as well as the movements. Slowly, the human girl on the stage, bowing and bowing her head saluted followed by the voice of shakuhachi who disappeared–sign of the show that was over.

Nobody moved, everyone was still stunned by what they saw. Then, as the human girl raised her face and smiled, they regained their senses.

Plok-plok

The applause filled the garden was not enough. Praise after praise is thrown, what they see, they know, will forever be stored in their memories–the most beautiful song and dance in the world.

Rin smiled happily at the excited reaction of the audience. Slowly, he turned his head back, staring at the still unmoving inuyoukai.

As their eyes met, brown and gold, Rin turned around and ran towards the Inuyoukai. Jumping, he opened both hands and tightly hugged the inuyoukai. A beautiful laugh like the clanking of bells slid out of his mouth unstoppable.

Sesshoumaru's right! What this spring lacks is its singing and dancing. But now, everything is complete. Her shamisen game, her singing and dancing with Sesshoumaru watched her– spring at the age of fifteen, all complete.

....xoxOx....