InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A new beginning, a new hope ❯ A Dreamer's World ( Chapter 45 )

Completed

 

Chapter 45: A dreamer's World (le monde du reveur)

 

Pour James Lucient,

 

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Sesshoumaru… Wake up … Rin…Don't close your eyes... I love you… forever... Sesshoumaru...

 

“Peep peep peep Peeeeeeeeeep! Peep peep peep Peeeeeeeeeep!”

 

Her hands gently brushing the comic book still dangling from her face, Rin rubbed her eyes languidly as she rose from her bed seated up. She clicked on the alarm. The glare from the morning light was upon her. She looked around her bedroom.

 

What?!!?!

 

Strange... Something felt very strange about this … place…. her room… in her house. She turned over the book now half flipped back beside her, squinting to zoom in at the title…. Inuyasha volume 32. Across her brightly illuminated chamber, the television was displaying its blue screen.

 

Hmmm… I must have dozed off while watching the movie last night.

 

After a lengthened stretch coupled with a lazy yawn, Rin crawled out of bed. She moved while flipping up her fringe toward the flicking set. Instinctively, she pressed on the `eject' button on the DVD player, retrieving the disc from the core. It was… the Sword of the Honorable Ruler… Inuyasha's third movie. She vaguely remembered Sesshoumaru was battling the evil sword… Souunga… Sesshoumaru… the name… Him… Why does it feel so familiar?

 

Rin gasped.

 

Wasn't she his mate? She loved him. She was married to him… they were battling this huge and heinous Ookami in a cave and Kagura was trying to harm Sesshoumaru and she….

 

WAIT!

 

She looked around herself again.

 

Was that only a dream? But all that… Was it really just nothing but an over extended musing? But wasn't she….

 

Rin's hands moved to graze across her belly. There was nothing. It was flat, taut as usual. She wasn't expecting… Sesshoumaru's… No…then, it was truly just a dream.

 

Shifting to the window, the girl wanted to draw up the curtain. The glare was getting too much to bear. But the view that greeted her… it wasn't Tokyo… it wasn't the Higurashi's. It was…. London! She was in London!

 

Right! Sota and her… Two years back, they had received scholarships to study in the London Music Conservatory. This was their graduating year.

 

“Rin…. Are you up yet?” That familiar knock on the door and that voice had further reminded of what was important. It belonged to Sota. “We're going to be late for rehearsal…”

 

The girl laughed. She had been so silly! She ought to be mindful of what is of most importance. She WAS definitely going to be late!

 

She rushed into showers and as the warm water flowed over her hair, she couldn't help but felt that everything was just too odd. It was so quiet, so soothing, so perfectly in place… everything. Perhaps, she really had been thinking too much or perhaps… she just had an over dose of Inuyasha…

 

Hey, wait a minute! Sota's One-chan, Kagome, wasn't her husband….

 

“Ohayo… Sota!” Rin was hopping on her shoes as she lugged her violin case in one hand.

 

The young man grinned at the sweet comical scene in front of him, the girl… his girl…his girlfriend. Gently, he took over her case and opened the door of the residence they had rented and were sharing for two years.

 

Suddenly as though recalling something, the girl halted in her steps.

 

“You know Sota, Kagome-san's husband….” Rin just had to do a last confirmation on the facts to be sure. “What did you say he was?”

 

“You mean Yash?” Sota flashed a brief smile. “I dunno. I thought in Ne-san's recent mail to me, she mentioned that he had just changed job. He's… I think he's doing stocks now. Why did you ask? I thought we read that mail together.”

 

“Oh… nothing actually…” Rin hid her slight disappointment while Sota was looking away as well…

 

Then, heaving a deep breath, he reached out, giving her a peck on her cheek.

 

“Let's go.”

 

Only taking a short moment to be shocked by that slight contact, Rin remembered her status... as his soon to be fiancee. But that kiss… it was… Why does it feel so foreign? Something about that was just so alien. Was it really the kiss or was it the person?

 

*******************************

 

The hanyou physician lightly knocked on the screen door before entering but still, the demon lord wasn't at all responding to his entrance. As he closed in to the bed where Rin lay, he took a silent second to take in the youkai's present form. Sesshoumaru seemed like he had aged so much since the lady had taken her long nap… a nap that she didn't looked like she was going to wake any moment soon.

 

It had been more than a month now since the night Sesshoumaru had brought her back from the northern cravens after the battle. Having been unsuccessful in keeping her awake till they reached home, Rin had fallen unconscious several minutes before arrival. After he treated her wounds and the abnormality of her pregnancy, all had waited eagerly for her rousing, especially the demon lord… He was not willing to leave her side, rejecting all amiable offers of drinks and meals… But she didn't.

 

The lady did not wake. And for the past six weeks, the hanyou physician had tried everything to no avail.

 

“My lord… May I examine the lady?”

 

Reluctantly, the demon lord moved from his position beside the girl at long last, but only for a while. He would get back to her side as soon as Jinenji finished his daily routine checks. He swore he'll be there when she wakes. He would be the first Rin would see when she does. He solemnly promised himself.

 

“How is she? How is the pup?” He implored reflectively, as if feeling a tinge of hope, a hope that had extended in vain for too long, digging his heart, his emotions dry.

 

“The lady's wounds had healed completely. Perhaps, it is partly the powers of the Shikon-no-tama.” Jinenji rose from his seat, moving to his medicinal box to prepare a mixture of honey and herbs for Rin. His glance briefly returned to the girl's growing belly. “The pup is fine too. It has been quiet lately and it is developing well. It is as if it knows of its Hahaue's condition.”

 

“If she's fine, then why, why isn't she waking yet?” Sesshoumaru's fist tightened as frustration was seen flashing across his brows. He was losing patience.

 

Jinenji understood fully how he felt. He heaved a sympathetic sigh. He knew he had to say this soon. It was professional for him to not withhold any crucial information.

 

“My lord, frankly, I do not know exactly why the lady isn't waking. It could be that the pup is drawing powers from her, thus significantly weakening her.” He sipped a clipped breath before continuing to the hardest part. “My Lord, I do know that… if you decide to give up the pup, there is a much higher chance that the lady will wake sooner.”

 

“Give up the pup?” Sesshoumaru was stunned. It wasn't that he was unwilling to do so. But Rin, her last words to him, she had made him promise to protect their only child. Would he let her down if he instructed the baby to be removed? Would he fail her as a husband? Yes he would have failed her completely. And he just knew her too well. Rin, she would never forgive him even if she wakes after that. She will… hate him… forever…

 

But could this be the only way to save her? What should he do?

 

Instantly, Sesshoumaru was caught in a most excruciating dilemma of his entire youkai life.

 

“Still, my lord, the worst part is that… even then, I cannot guarantee that the lady will wake. There is still a possibility that she wouldn't.” Jinenji hated this as much as the demon lord. He had too grown too fond of the girl to let her be like this. He wanted nothing more than to make sure both mother and pup was safe and healthy in his hands. He had… failed them as a physician… He was the one who had let her go off after the kid. He was equally pained. “But my lord, if the lady does not wake when the pup is born… I'm afraid she may never wake again.”

 

*************************

 

Weeks had gone past swiftly and the days just got busier and busier, jam packed with rehearsals, practices. The London weather was as usual, most of the time wet, rainy, gloomy. Rin rested her chin on her arm as she leaned against the window, watching as the raindrops fell from the dark clouded sky, occasionally slightly hitting on the glass pane.

 

Everything about her life now, this place, it was all so peaceful, serene, flawless and still. It was nothing but routine perfection. Aunt Higurashi had just sent them some of her favorite Japanese snacks. The middle aged lady who was soon to become her mother-in-law had always been so sweet and caring toward her. Rin was more than touched. She felt blessed, blessed to become a part of this loving family as well as having someone like Sota. He's so perfect… too perfect.

 

Perhaps, she should simply stop indulging herself in day dreams… being with a lover who's not human… a demon? How weird it was sounding to her now… all these thoughts, this talk about having a mate of youkai origin, a fragment of only her own too wild, too strayed away imagination. It was… just so surreal… surreally romantic and passionate.

 

Oh Rin, Stop it. You're gonna be late for dinner with Sota. You were supposed to meet him at the restaurant at six.

 

“Gal, what's on your mind?” The young cellist asked with genuine looks of concern as he passed her the salt over the dinner table. “You look like your thoughts are somewhere else.” He gave a short giggle to attempt to lift up the girl's spirits.

 

But it didn't work… to his dismay… She was still distant no matter how hard he was trying.

 

“I dunno, Sota… I guess nothing really.” Rin flipped both sides of her flowing tresses to the back and started on her dinner. Something inside her chest was trapped, urging her to pour out questions, uncertainties to the young man. “I….”

 

Sota interrupted just in time, laughing and seemingly scrutinizing the girl's whole form.

 

“Oh no, let me guess. You've been having late nights again watching cartoons…” His brows furrowed tenderly. “Look at you, gal, you're having dark eye rings. Do you truly wish to look like that tomorrow at your first solo concert? You've got to sign autographs and take pictures you know.”

 

“Oh dear, is it ugly? Am I ugly?” Rin instinctively took out her little make up mirror, peering into it almost anxiously.

 

Sota shook his head. Girls… He had to do something to console her.

 

“Of course not. You look perfect to me everyday.” That brought an immediate smile on the girl's face. He was glad it worked. “You just look tired, that's all. I'm worried about you, gal.”

 

Rin poked into a jacket potato, this time trying to comfort the one who seemed to care a lot for her. She didn't wish him to be like this, to feel that she was neglecting him. She was about to speak, to appease him when she heard something really strange… a soft humming of a tune that was locked in the deepest part of her soul. It was coming from outside.

 

The girl turned swiftly, noticing the back view of an elegant white figure strolling past the restaurant window, his long fair hair cascading and dancing in the wind and slight drizzle. Was the hum coming from him… Instinctively, the girl began to mimic the melody, slowly putting words so naturally in it.

 

In the mountain, in the forest

In the wind, in the dreams

Sesshoumaru-sama where are you…

 

I'm just here waiting… waiting for Sesshoumaru's return….

 

What? When did I learn to sing this? Rin couldn't recall no matter how hard she tried. Shoving the chair aside, she dashed out, racing after the silhouette which was soon disappearing into the night and the drizzle-turn-downpour.

 

It was useless. He was gone!

 

From a distance not stopping the girl, the young man merely watched on, as if deep in his own musings.

 

***************************

 

From a distance, Kagome caught sight of the hanyou physician as he strode toward the demon lord's chamber. She picked up her pace, racing up to him and as she got nearer, there was a sort of a serene yet ghostly chime, sounding from within the room. And Jinenji, he too had halted right in front of the slightly ajar screen door, just standing there as though conscientiously preferring not to interrupt whatever was going on from the inside.

 

What was that?

 

It can't be…. But it must be… It was …. Sesshoumaru singing! Well to be exact, he was merely humming.

 

Through the thin layers of the papered entrance, the girl's song was echoing not in her own voice but that of her lover, her mate. The miko took a fast peek into the room, immediately spotting the demon lord at his usual spot beside the girl. He was sitting there, stroking Rin's hair in the midst of his soulful hum and then softly and gently taking her hand in his, intermittently adjusting her covers and her clothes.

 

Kagome heaved a sigh, emphatic, filled with a certain degree of penitence, condolence and remorse.

 

“Jinenji-san, how's Sesshoumaru doing? Has he even come out from the room yet?”

 

The physician shook his head, forcing a smile in vain.

 

“Unfortunately not, he hasn't even had a sip of water and a bite of anything. Even Jaken was afraid to venture near.”

 

“But it has been three months.” The miko was concerned, anxious and apprehensive. “Can he hold out that long?”

 

“I think his mind is solely on the lady's conditions.” Jinenji brought up the most difficult decision the demon lord would have to make. “She is in her fifth month and the pup is growing too fast. A normal Inu-youkai baby takes about six months before it comes to full term and a human close to nine. A hanyou would usually take somewhere between that, depending on the breed and inherited powers it possesses.”

 

“What about Rin-chan's case?” Kagome was eager to find out. “Isn't the pup diagnosed to be sort of full youkai?”

 

“Yes. That's why I predicted that the pup must be delivered in about a month's time.”

 

“But Rin-chan… she's still…”

 

“Even when the lady sleeps, I can still perform a simple procedure to remove the pup from her when it comes to full term. That is not the main issue. My main concern is that Sesshoumaru-sama MUST make a decision whether to keep the pup or not. He hasn't enough time left.”

 

“But Rin-chan… she has requested to keep the baby no matter what. I was there.” Kagome held a long deep breath before letting it go. “It must be a very tough decision for Sesshoumaru. Is there absolutely nothing you can do?”

 

The last statement of the miko further pricked on the physician's already drowning self condemnation and guilt. Truly, is there anything else he could do? No.

 

“No, Kagome-san, there is nothing I can do.” His voice was too contrite. Kagome felt instantly apologetic for her own carelessly and thoughtlessly spoken words. “It now solely depends on the lady's own will. She has to wake up herself. No one can help her even if the pup is removed prior to full term.”

 

Both kept their silence after that, rhythmically checking on the demon lord in the chamber. Keiko was well enough to hop and run around as usual after a week. She was the luckier one. But…Is there still hope for these two who are so deeply in love, who had fought so hard to be together?

 

***************************

 

At the back stage of the concert hall, Rin sat in front of the mirror in her changing room, doing a brief touch up of her light make-up. Yes. This is it. This is her night, her first solo performance. If she were to play brilliantly well, she might just be like what Sota had said, on her way to become a professional violinist.

 

She let a short nervous breath escaped her lips.

 

All these weeks of extended practices, all done in the midst of her own confusion, a clear obsession of comics so much so that she was unable to tell between dream and reality. Surely, Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha and all… they were but unfounded musings.

 

This, this is reality.

 

Rin sighed. She can no longer deny it.

 

She ought to be mindful of that from now onwards. She has to set her heart right…to get rid of all her Inuyasha mangas and movies. She has to move on with the real world.

 

A light knock indicated that someone was at the door.

 

“Gal, I brought something to eat.” It was Sota and his sweet, sweet self. “I thought you might be hungry before the concert. You ate so little during dinner just now.”

 

That final display of kindness, of love aided the girl in making a solemn conclusion. She had made up her mind.

 

“Sota…Let's get married.”

 

The young man presented the warmest he could search his entire heart to find, concealing certain hidden anxieties only he alone was dealing with, an anxiety that was about the girl, the one he had loved so dearly, the one who had been once taken, the one who had now come back to him, the one… who had just… proposed to him?

 

Deep within his heart, Sota wished no more than to shout out the word yes, but instead, he noticed something that had instantly caught his attention.

 

“Gal, where's that necklace that I gave you on your last birthday? I thought you are going to wear that tonight.”

 

Rin reached out to touch the pebble on her snow white throat. “Err… well… I … I prefer this actually. It goes with the color of my gown.”

 

She held up… the dreamer's stone.

 

Taking a swift glance at the glowing item, the girl couldn't help but to realize that she was not able to recall where and when she had bought or gotten the piece of jewelry from. Was it a gift? Did she buy it? Why can't she remember?

 

It was all so strange. She couldn't understand why she had such strong and passionate affinity toward it. It was her favorite, dearest to her heart, having a connection that was beyond words, comprehension and even beyond love. It was like... her own life, her source, her essence of being.

 

“Sota… you're not mad at me, are you?”

 

The young cellist shook his head rather casually. Again, he was too engrossed in his own thoughts.

 

************************

 

The girl was making her way to the reception table in front of the concert hall. Finally it was over. She was floating on the overwhelming ovation on stage a moment back. She can't say that she had played her best but it was alright and the crowd loved it. She was glad.

 

Rin adjusted the bow at the nape of her hair. Well, she had to at least look presentable for the autograph and photo-taking session.

 

As she hurriedly and ceremoniously made her way through the crowd, suddenly, her attention was greatly drawn to something at one corner of the corridor. No… It was something…

 

It was… someone.

 

It was the sweetest looking little boy between the age of four to five with a bright magenta cap… and he was… Japanese? Well, normally, this wouldn't have aroused any of the girl's curiosity but she instantly recalled that this was London. Why was there a Japanese boy here? Moreover, he was just there running in circles as though entertaining himself with such simplicity of fun. He was alone but still, he didn't seem like he was lost or had been left there. He was… she would say… rather comfortable and confident.

 

Where are his Oto-san and his Oka?

 

Just when Rin was at a lost whether to go up to ask if he needed help to find his mom and dad, the boy turned, his full focus now on her alone. And a broad spirited smile rainbowed across his face, lightening it instantly…

 

With a slight fix on the position of his cap to an angle he'd preferred, he buoyantly skipped up to her, his one hand reaching behind his jeans. He was concealing something and Rin was squinting her eyes to see what it was. But she couldn't.

 

“This is for you.” From the back, he flicked out a little flower and Rin gasped at the sight of the item in his hand. The stalk has delicate petals of the most soothing purple letting off a mystic feral fragrance. Still, she had never once seen it sold in any of the florists in the streets of London.

 

“What is this?” Not able to withhold her immensely surging inquisitiveness, she implored the bright eyed boy.

 

Yes, she had just noticed. That was his most distinct feature as yet… his eyes. They were a sort of dreamy hazel with the longest lashes she'd ever seen… well, not never actually. The girl was fully aware of her own seductive attributes. But this little kid, why does he have eyes like hers? Also, Rin couldn't shake off the kind of closeness that she was feeling towards him right from the second she had spotted him in the crowd. It was as if there was an invisible link between them in some way she couldn't put a finger to. But it was just all too weird, beyond her understanding.

 

“It's the moon's flower, don't you remember?” He flashed a cool smile. He was too calm, too composed, with almost a hint of being too dispassionate for a kid. Nonetheless, she felt a sense of warmth with him, something that she could no longer shun away. Why was she so drawn to just a mere kid?

 

“The moon's flower?” Rin swallowed, increasingly agitated. Why does this sound so familiar, so soft and sentimental. She could have sworn now that she had definitely possessed one of these before, though no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't recall when and where and from whom.

 

Rin took in a quick sip of air, calming down and politely accepting his offer.

 

“Arigato. You're so sweet. Did you pick this yourself?” She enquired, trying to sound casual and courteous.

 

“No, it's not from me. It's from Chichiue.”

 

Upon hearing that, a renewed swirl of bewilderment encircled the girl. His Chichiue? His father? Who is that? Does she know him personally? Why is he presenting such an intimate gift to her, and not by himself but through the hands of his little under-aged son?

 

Though seemingly gentle natured, he was still an energetic, animated kid. Showing a tinge of slight impatience at her continuous queries, he danced around on the spot, amusing himself while waiting for Rin to speak again.

 

“Be careful!” The girl yelled as one of the too plump ladies accidentally bumped head on with the kid now doing an elegant pirouette.

 

Alas! It was too late. Though he was not hurt by the collision, his cap had sloppily flipped and flew off. Rin's eyes turned wide as ever. She couldn't believe the sight before her.

 

The boy… his hair… it was of the most surreal color. It was…. silver?

 

As though conscious of himself, bashfully, he tidied up his blown away strains, flipped up his long fringe so that he could see her face clearly once again. That did little to make the girl feel more assured of herself. In fact, it made it all the more worse.

 

On his forehead, there was a bluish symbol, a sort of an imprint, a birthmark?

 

It was a crescent moon!

 

By now, the girl wasn't as composed as she had hoped to be. With her hands getting shivery and her voice in a half quiver, the words just flowed out from her mouth without control.

 

“Boy… w-what's your name?”

 

The kid passed her the queerest stare. It was as though he couldn't understand why she had asked that question. It was as though… she was supposed to know his name… know him?

 

“Yuudai.” He answered after seemingly a long pause.

 

“Yuudai?” That name didn't ring a bell to the girl at all.

 

“Yes, don't you remember? Chichiue gave me that.” He replied, almost smugly. He was very proud of his father, she would say. “He says it means gentle warrior. He says I'll be a great warrior when I grow up… just like him.” He hopped around sparring a make pretence sword in the air playfully, spilling little giggles whilst at it. “Chichiue says I'm to become one with my name, be nice you know, have c-comp-passion… whatever that is.”

 

The girl grinned at such portrayal of pure childlike innocence. Without a doubt, even for the brief moment that they have met and communicated, it was apparent that he indeed possessed a kind and gentle heart, like his father had hoped him to be.

 

“But, I don't know your father.” She couldn't hold that back either. She just had to ask him. “Why does he give me this?” She dangled the flowery stalk before the now bemused kid.

 

“What are you talking about?” He did a little tug on her hand, guiding her as if to follow him. “Come, Chichiue is waiting for us. He's outside and it's cold out there. We've got to hurry after him… Mama…”

 

Wait! What did he just call me?

 

Rin's mind was caving in on her through huge consuming waves, every bit of information that she had gained, confirmed, make herself believe in the past few months instantly seemed to have just dissipated again into thin air.

 

She struggled free from the boy's grip, her hand shifted to her chest as she heaved several laden pants for breath.

 

“What're you doing, mama?” A hint of hurt had emerged from his tiny brows. “Don't you understand? I said Chichiue's waiting for us. He's waiting for YOU. He's waiting for you to go back to him. You've got to wake up!”

 

The girl shook her head vigorously as she fought with this new addition.

 

“I-I'm not … I'm not your mother… I can't be…”

 

With that, Rin turned and took off in the opposite direction, ignoring the continuous cries of the kid who had just claimed to be her son.

 

This can't be happening. This can't be the truth! Sota! She had to see him. Yes! HE would help her. She would find solace with him. He'll tell her that all this was nothing but yet another of her imaginations. When she gets to him, she'll be comforted. He'll tell her what to do and he'll be there. They'll to be married…

 

With only one thought in her mind, frantically dispersing the rest, the girl made her way to the back stage where she knew she would find her fiancé.

 

****************************

 

“Gal, what's wrong?” Though the young cellist had asked that question himself, somehow, he knew in his heart what was bothering the girl.

 

Rin fought for breath, exhaling heavy pants, unable to speak.

 

“Sota, I don't know anymore.” She finally sobbed, shaking her head violently. “I'm so confused…I don't know what to do.”

 

The girl's words pained Sota. He had gone this far with her… in this place… in this dream state of hers. Perhaps… he had come to the end of the road… the end of HIS road with her. As much as he had loved Rin and wanted to be with her, he'd never wished for her to be like this, to suffer and be so deeply tormented with the confusion between dream and reality. Perhaps, this was precisely his role here. It was also to assist her to find the way out… if he could find it in his heart to do it. But he would… if he'd truly love her, then, there is no better time to show that… it is time… to let her go… let her return to where she belonged…

 

“Rin…” Giving one last firm hug, he brought the cowering girl to her feet steadying her gently at her shoulders. “I need you to answer me one question.”

 

“What?” The girl was totally puzzled, mystified by the sudden change in her fiance.

 

“Rin, who do you love?” Sota was looking at her so solemnly the girl knew he wasn't at all joking. But the question…..

 

With trembling hands, Rin retrieved a small rectangular item from her bag, something of sentimental value between them…. the musical box. She opened the lid, letting its soothing melody play and ring out in the changing room, at the same time, mesmerized and engaging in a sort of past memory of them.

 

“What?” She whispered. “Sota, why are you asking me that? You know that I love…” She had wanted to say `you' without even a second thought, or rather, she was afraid to think repeatedly and hound herself with endless queries.

 

“No!” His voice boomed out to stop her. “Think! I need you to think carefully before answering this question.” The young cellist took in one courageous breath.

 

This is it.

 

“Rin, I'm so touched, really, that even here in this place, this time, you've brought this along with you. I know now that I do have a place in your heart.” He closed the cover of the box, disconnecting the music, preferring that she concentrates on their conversation. “I want more than anything to be with you, really. I … love you… so much.” His eyes drifted closed. “But this place, this time, you… and everything that is here, they do not belong to me. YOU do not belong to me. You belong to the world outside this door. All you have to do is to take courage and walk out of this. You can do it.”

 

“What are you talking about, Sota?” Rin was getting more affected by his words by the second. She didn't know how long she could hold out at this rate they were going.

 

“Who do you love, Rin?” He brought up the question again. “Who do you love? Like I said, you belong to the world outside this door. The one whom you seek, the one whom you love… he is waiting for you there…”

 

All at the same time, a multitude of images, voices, shadows were overflowing into the girl's mind, invading and consuming her whole form.

 

Who do you love… Who do you love … Rin…

 

The one whom I seek… the one whom I love…SESSHOUMARU!

 

********************************

 

Having his fingers laced with Rin's, the demon lord had finally given in to sleep. He had let himself doze off for a moment but even then, he'd never let go of the girl.

 

And his youkai senses picked up something. Rin's fingers, they were moving… just slightly… Could this be real?

 

His deep amber eyes peeled open, looking straight at his mate before him, her eyes as widely open as his. Was he dreaming? Well, he wasn't that discerning anymore. After these long months, he couldn't keep count how many times he had imagined this scene, this moment of her wakening. So… is this yet another of his daydream?

 

And there was an extended silence as both merely regarded each other, each posing similar queries to themselves.

 

Rin released her hand from the demon lord's, rubbing her eyes briefly and then letting it cruise down to her huge belly, stroking and measuring its circumference. She couldn't believe how much it had grown.

 

Yes, she had been asleep… but for that long?

 

Sesshoumaru watched in a voiceless stillness, taking in all of the girl's little gestures, continuing to decipher if all of this was real.

 

“Sessho…” Finally, Rin spoke, simultaneously trying to get up from her recumbent position. She was seemingly having difficulty managing the new weight.

 

On pure instincts, the demon lord charged up and caught her in his arms, seeing that she was already panting lightly.

 

For a split second, Sesshoumaru didn't know how to feel. He was emptied of all his emotions for too long. But soon, it caught on.

 

A smile beamed upon his crimson stripped face at long last. He wasn't dreaming. This was the first time ever that he'd been so overjoyed in his life! That familiar rousing fragrance he had remembered of her every morning, how she felt moving in his embrace, it was too solid, too real to be just a figment of his musing.

 

Rin has awakened!

 

“Be careful…” He chided in a most gentle tone, only capable of two simple words for that moment.

 

“Sesshoumaru…” She tightened her hug round him, a shimmer of tear glistened in her eyes.

 

The girl leaned with sufficient contentment in her mate's arms, reveling in that familiar touch, that familiar forestry scent. No excessive words, no prolong actions from either party. It was enough for her to know that this, here, with Sesshoumaru, this is where she belong. And be it reality or a mere dream, from this moment onward, it didn't matter anymore. There is nowhere else she'd rather be.

 

“My lady.” The hanyou stood at the door, too shocked and overwhelmed with excitement. He rushed in, forgetting to ask for permission to enter.

 

“Rin-chan!” Kagome followed behind with unrestrained eagerness.

 

Sesshoumaru observed that the girl was still significantly weak and strengthless, depending on him fully for support.

 

“My lord, place the lady on the bed. Let me examine her.” The hanyou physician had also noted with much professionalism her condition.

 

The demon lord did as he was told, then shifting aside to provide space for Jinenji, awaiting most impatiently his verdict.

 

After a long session, with a satisfied smile, the physician replaced the covers on the girl, keeping her sufficiently warm then turning to face the anxious looking youkai.

 

“My lord, congratulations. Both the lady and the pup are fine. She is just a little weak from the waking. She'll probably feel much better after a light meal.”

 

“I'll get to that immediately.” Kagome intercepted with much keenness. Finally, all was back to normal. She couldn't be happier to cook for the girl again.

 

“Kagome-san, something light is preferable.”

 

“Hai.”

 

His glance swiftly focused at the miko as she exited the chamber then to the two who were now seeing no one in their eyes except each other, Jinenji instantly felt his presence too much of an intrusion. Perhaps he should make himself scarce, well, at least for a while. The lord and his mate needed time alone.

 

“Err.. Kagome-san, perhaps I can assist you in the selection.” Greatly embarrassed and with that more than obvious excuse, Jinenji got up and left the room. “Err… my lord, my lady, I'll be back later.”

 

Rin let off a soft giggle as the demon lord watched her with quiet amusement. He had missed terribly the personalized sparkle in her irises only she possessed whenever she smiles or laughs.

 

****************************

 

In the alcove of the chamber, a warm bath had been prepared. After her first meal in three months, Rin managed to regain part of her own strength and was able to get up from bed to everyone's elation. She was still seemingly adjusting to the additional weight the pup had gained since she had taken the long nap.

 

With great care, Sesshoumaru helped Rin to the bath, assisting her to disrobe and gently leading her into the lower decks.

 

“Is the water too hot?” He aided her in the cleansing, twisting and running some fluid down her back with a small portion of cloth.

 

The girl shook her head, sending sprinklets off her hair as it swayed in the bath. She leaned back against him, enjoying the therapeutic rippling of the warm waters and feeling his bare chest as he circled his arms to her front and rounding at her belly.

 

Suddenly, Rin flinched, heaving a little squeal mixed laugh, catching the demon's attention right away. His brows furrowed, half curious with an equal mix of uneasiness. Truly, everything had seemed too perfect. Is there something he had missed?

 

“What is it?”

 

The girl grinned, rather secretive at first but she was instantly about to reveal it.

 

“The pup, it's kicking me.” She admitted while rubbing her tummy to sooth the little pre-born.

 

“Is it so?” Entertained by the fact that his pup was unceremoniously interrupting their private time together, the demon lord moved his hand to graze along the sides of the girl's abdomen, yearning to feel its movements.

 

“He's here.” Rin guided his hand to the spot she had felt little Yuudai. “He just slid his hand across here.” She exclaimed, thrilled with her newest discovery.

 

Unknown to herself, Rin had revealed the gender of the pup, though the demon lord wasn't paying the slightest attention to her words. His sole focus was just to silently await the pup's next obvious gesture. He wanted to feel it as much as Rin. He wanted to be a part of this most amazing experience… of being a father. Even while at it, he had not neglected the mother. Searching with his hands for his child, his lips had landed endless strings of kisses on the girl's throat, down to her nape and to the side of her shoulder, grinning smugly as he felt her tickles.

 

She turned, catching his mouth with hers with only light kisses which gradually became more obsessive and wild. They let their tongues mingle and twirl the whole distance from the bath to their bed as the demon carried her in his arms.

 

It wasn't that Sesshoumaru had intended to get on to such intense activity right the minute she had woken. It was just simply beyond their control. They were too lost in their frenzied kisses, their touches, their hugs, turning without return into passionate patting.

 

And the girl submitted completely, letting her mate do all that he wished to her. She was just enjoying… enjoying the fact it was Sesshoumaru… the way his hands moved to places that he knew would excite and arouse her and her hands engaging to please him in every way she knew he preferred. It was all so sweet, so right, so perfect and Rin loved every single part about making love to him. She wanted always to be only his, to surrender to his every claim on her.

 

Before he could gain enough of his more logical self to ask himself if he should, they had already done it. He was thrusting nothing more than gently into her, enjoying all her soft moans and pants, the ones he had missed so terribly, the one he thought he had lost forever. All at once, he drank in her mating scents, her climax mixed with his own and choosing to drown himself in it.

 

******************************

 

Upon the girl's request, the reunited couple took an early morning stroll toward the western sea edge. He was at first a little hesitant, worrying that Rin might inevitably catch a cold from the dawning chills. But in the end, he gave in to her urgings, though reminding her to bring an additional cloak.

 

As they strode down the fine sands, he had denied her every burst of enthusiasm when she spotted a colored shell that she adored, preferring to aid her in the picking himself. In his mind, something was yet to be said to his mate, something that still weighted in his heart.

 

“Rin, why?” He finally implored, bringing her to face him. “Why did you do that? Why did you run to protect me?” Even when it was past, over, Rin could tell he was devastatingly pained by it.

 

“I-I didn't want to see you hurt because of me.” She told him the truth.

 

Sesshoumaru shook his head disbelievingly.

 

“Kagura's wind blade can never hurt me. You should know better than that.” He let his finger run through her hair as he gazed into her eyes. “You were… so silly. I was worried sick. Do you know that?”

 

Rin was instantly silent. “I'm… sorry.”

 

“No, don't apologise. That's not what I wish you to do.” Deep down, he knew why she had done it. He knew he would have done the same. Still, he couldn't affirm her actions. He could never let her go through such again. His tone became serious and unyielding. “I want you to promise me that you will never put yourself in such dangers ever again. If you truly love me, love our pup, then promise me that… please.”

 

Rin nodded and the demon was pleased. She knew that she had been so stupid, so gullible, taken in by the late wind demoness' words so easily.

 

“Sessho…” She noticed he was deep in thoughts, half admiring the magnificent sea view. “What's on your mind?”

 

He smiled. “Nothing actually. I was just thinking of names for our pup.”

 

Surprised but not the least excited any longer for obvious reasons, Rin was deciding whether to let him on some information which she herself had learnt in her lengthened dream. Mischievously, she tested him.

 

“So, what names do you have in mind, my lord?”

 

For a moment, Sesshoumaru was stunned by her use of sudden formality, and quite pleasantly entertained too by her seeming challenge.

 

“Well, if it's a girl, we would call her….”

 

“It's a boy, Sessho…” Oops, unrestrained and reflexively, she was too eager to be able to withhold it from him.

 

The demon lord's brows constricted with much curiosity. It's a boy? How does she know that? Is she guessing or is it purely a motherly instinct?

 

Nonetheless, he didn't want to keep her waiting.

 

“Well, a boy I see...An heir…” going along with her, he laughed softly to himself. “I haven't thought of that. But something temperate, mild and nonetheless with a good fighting spirit. That'll be excellent.”

 

Rin hid a giggle.

 

Yuudai, a gentle warrior eh? Perhaps it wouldn't take long for his Chichiue to figure that out.

 

“Rin, ikuzo, let's go home.”

 

With the rising golden streaks of morning light reflecting on his fair hair, Sesshoumaru held out one hand as an invitation.

 

Rin smiled, taking in the sight of him, of them, of their homeland and of their unborn son. She could ask no more of her life. It was already by itself perfect.

 

With a firm and contented sigh, she placed her hand in his, lacing with his fingers as they strolled into the radiant rays, heading homeward together….

 

I wish he has your eyes…

 

He will…

 

And your crescent… and your hair…

 

************************************

 

Hey, yes, we've come to the end to this lovely tale. Hope that you've enjoyed it.

 

Specially thanks to all you wonderful people who leave reviews which make my day, to Christal, DPM, Leila-chan, SweetypieRin, James and Jaime. Couldn't have done it without you guys and gals

 

And Lucient contributed the name for Sess and Rin's son. So, he's the godfather…

 

Hmmm… I'm thinking of an epilogue or a sequel? Suggestions?

 

I'll be continuing with Demon of my Heart, a tale whereby Sess and Rin has to fight to be together. It'll be fun and funny… with a tingle of romance… I hope…

 

So… the epilogue awaits me…

 

Lastly, I'd like to declare out loud that I'M FOR ONLY GOOD ENDINGS FOR SESS AND RIN FICS. Haha :)