InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Gift of a Curse ❯ Last Chapter ( Chapter 14 )

Gift of a Curse

 

Chapter 14: Last Chapter

 

(So savor every moment! ^ ^)

 

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Her world had come to an agonizing crawl. The thorns upon the silver rose she clutched so tightly in hand dug into her skin and drew blood. But she was numb to the pain.

 

She had wanted this so much. Wanted to get away from that castle so she could be happy. But now that it had happened, why wasn't she happy? Why was she filled with so much regret, so much pain? Now that she had what she had always dreamed of, why did she ache?

 

Rin was oblivious to the world around her, her thoughts filled with only him. The way his eyes softened when he looked at her as they did for no one else. The way he always felt so warm and inviting. The way he never held any flaw and was always so unearthly perfect.

 

“Sesshoumaru…” She murmured softly.

 

And know that when the last petal falls, I am dead.

 

His words replayed over and over in her mind. The idea seemed so absurd, so stupid, but she knew he wasn't lying. The way he had looked at her when he said it before taking off. No one, not even the great Sesshoumaru, could fake that look.

 

But why?

 

Though her vision was blurred with tears, Rin looked at the rose. One petal remained and if it fell, he would die. “I don't understand…” She whispered hoarsely. “I don't understand anything anymore…”

 

She wanted it to all end. Wanted all the pain and sorrow to go away. She would have rather the demon lord ripped out her heart and smashed it into a million pieces, then put her through this. He couldn't die, could he? He wasn't… he couldn't. He couldn't die. No way in hell would she let him die.

 

A hand lightly grasped her shoulder and at first, Rin had thought she'd imagined it. Coming slowly out of her daze, she turned, her eyes fixating on the owner of the hand. It was a woman heavy with child and eyes filled with concern. “Are you alright?” Rin looked away remaining silent, unable to stop the violent sobs that shook her small frame.

 

“My name's Kagome, a miko at this village,” The woman continued on softly. “Do you… need anything?”

 

“No.” Rin managed to mutter.

 

“Come on,” Kagome said, determined to help this distressed young woman. “You look like you've been through a lot. You don't have to talk about it, just come have a cup of tea with me.”

 

Rin stood, and if not for the support of Kagome, would have fallen forward. She walked as if in a trance to the hut the miko was leading her to. She struggled to concentrate on walking, but he was always there. She couldn't think of anything else. `Sesshoumaru…'

 

She had to see him… she had to…

 

She had to find out what was going on… what he had meant.

 

When the last petal falls, I am dead.

 

<><><><>

 

The corners of his mouth turned up in a smirk, Naraku emerged from the shadows within his hut and stood before the scores of taijiya. He held a long blade to the sky and the sunlight it caught shone brightly. Slowly the youkai slayers became aware of him, and quieted.

 

“The time is now,” His low voice called out to them as he mounted a horse. “Gather your weapons and follow me.”

 

The announcement over, the voices began again. They grew together to form a loud roar of babble. Used to such things, the demon exterminators were able to pack up the few belongings they had brought and take down the camp.

 

Sango fell in line behind her father, who walked behind Naraku. Soon Kohaku was following her with the monk Miroku not far behind. “Are you ready Kohaku?”

 

“Yea, just a little nervous.”

 

“Don't worry. Everything is going to be alright.”

 

Their large group formed a long trail, the collection only growing larger as numerous villagers joined the ranks. “Naraku, are so many people truly needed? I can see you have not much faith in the demon slayers.” Sango's father commented dryly. He didn't approve of bringing untrained village people into the mess.

 

Naraku's fiendish smile remained upon his face. “I assure you, we will need every man we can find.”

 

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He closed his eyes, his face expressionless. When he opened them once more, they held only a vacant look. Wisps of darkening silver hair blew before him. Sesshoumaru stood on the balcony silently. She was gone and he would be human before nightfall. He wouldn't shame himself further by running like a coward. He would fight the youkai who challenged him and lose his life in the process.

 

He just didn't care anymore. Nothing mattered.

 

Staring down at his clawless hands, he chuckled softly. It was empty and cruel. All those long years ago when that human had cursed him, she had known she was going to die. She had used the last bit of strength left in her to place this fate upon him. That human had been wise.

 

Perhaps she had not even known that her curse would bring him so much pain. That it would bring the reigning ice-prince to his knees in defeat.

 

And for some reason, he wasn't bitter toward this woman, as he had been for so long. By placing that curse over him, she had given him a gift. A gift he would have laughed at in scorn before, but now would give everything for. And he had given everything. But that didn't matter. She would be happy, right? That's all that mattered anymore.

 

And on the wind he could just make out the scent of humans heading his way. Humans ready to slay him. With another soft chuckle he closed his eyes. Let them come. He didn't care. He'd fight to the death that had been promised to him.

 

<><><><>

 

Inuyasha landed easily in front of his hut. The corners of his mouth turned down in a frown, he entered. It wasn't just Kagome's scent, but another one. It was so familiar…

 

Entering, he stopped. Kagome looked up from her tea and smiled warmly to her mate. “Inuyasha, I'd like you to meet Rin,” the miko said cheerfully indicating the young woman sitting across the low table from her.

 

Rin looked up and her gaze locked with his. The tears that had almost subsided started again. She bent her head low, her hands folded into tight fists in her lap still clutching the rose.

 

“It's you,” The hanyou said, his eyes widening.

 

Kagome looked confused. “You now each other?”

 

“She's that girl, the one I told you about.”

 

Kagome stared at Rin in disbelief. So this was the woman Inuyasha had found at Sesshoumaru's castle on more then one occasion. She cleared her throat and laughed nervously before becoming serious again. “Rin,” She said softly recalling the woman's name, “Please. Tell me what's going on.”

 

“I'm so stupid…” Rin muttered. “So stupid…”

 

Inuyasha growled, his golden hues narrowing. “What did that bastard do to you!” He demanded, unable to take the salty smell of her tears any longer.

 

“Inuyasha!” Kagome hissed.

 

Rin looked up, her eyes shining as she smiled faintly. “He… he gave me what I wanted.” She glanced back down into her lap. “What I thought I wanted.”

 

The miko frowned. “What do you mean?”

 

“I wanted to get away!” Rin yelled angrily, “I thought that's what I wanted!” Her nails dug into the flesh of her palms as she clenched her fists tighter. She squeezed her eyes shut as more tears escaped and rolled down her cheeks. “Now he's going to die,” She whispered, “and I'll never see him again. All because I was so stupid.”

 

The hanyou and miko remained silent as an uncomfortable blanket fell over the small group, smothering any further conversation for a few moments. Inuyasha was the first to break the silence. “Keh, you're worried about him?”

 

“How could I not be?”

 

Kagome found tears pricking her own eyes. `She loves him,' Kagome thought with sorrow. Her attention snapped to Inuyasha who caught her gaze and frowned.

 

“The demon slayers and villagers already left,” Inuyasha said bluntly. “They'll reach Sesshoumaru soon. He won't stand a chance as a human.”

 

Rin shook her head slowly. “A human? Sesshoumaru isn't… a human.”

 

“Keh, the bastard is now.”

 

“Inuyasha.” Kagome stood up carefully, gaining her balance. She nodded to the rose Rin was clinging to so desperately. “Go the castle and take her. You'll have to explain on the way.”

 

If anyone else had asked, Inuyasha would have laughed. But Kagome had asked, and he would do anything for her. “Whatever.” He looked at Rin. “Come on.”

 

<><><><>

 

The shadowed outline of the youkai castle loomed in the distance. “Almost there!” Naraku called out, “Walk faster!”

 

“Not all of us have a horse on which to ride,” The taijiya leader reminded him impatiently. `Yarou.'

 

<><><><>

 

“Human… placed a curse... on him.” Inuyasha explained through breaths as he leapt on to a tree branch and continued through the forest. Rin was on his back, holding on for her life. Unlike Sesshoumaru, she didn't exactly trust this hanyou with her life. “Had to… fall in love with a human… and had to get a human… to love him back before… the last petal on the rose fell or… he'd turn human.” Inuyasha narrowly avoided losing his head on a low hanging vine.

 

Rin remained silent as she listened to him. It all made sense. And it only made her feel worse. Made her feel so guilty. `Please hang on.' She pleaded regretting leaving the rose at the hut. `Please…'

 

“And if he… is human then… youkai of the castle will… kill him.” Water sprayed over them as he raced through a shallow stream. “Villagers hated him and our father… and Naraku wanted power so… he rounded up the villagers and… a bunch of taijiya to… kill Sesshoumaru and take over.”

 

“Please hurry,” She murmured allowed. The hanyou's ears twitched and he did as he was told.

 

<><><><>

 

The group halted in front of the castle. Naraku dismounted his steed. “Take out the youkai of the castle!” He commanded. “Leave the leader to me!” He pulled his blade from the scabbard at his hip and entered the castle with the mass of humans following close behind.

 

<><><><>

 

“Papa, papa!” Shippou cried bounding through the castle as a rather slow villager pursued him with a pitchfork. The young kitsune took random turns in attempt to escape; failing to block out the cries of pain from youkai and humans alike that rang throughout the castle.

 

<><><><>

 

The man didn't turn around as Naraku walked out on to the balcony. His now-obsidian eyes closed for a moment. “You are the one intent on slaying me then?” Sesshoumaru stated. Naraku scowled holding his sword tightly in hand.

 

“I assume you rule here then?” Naraku smirked, “I will make you kneel before me in death.”

 

Though now a mere mortal, Sesshoumaru was still light on his feet and was able to dodge the blade hat had shot towards him, missing him by a hair's breath. Naraku's eyes glinted with malice. “I expected more of a fight from you. You seem nothing more than a human.”

 

Sesshoumaru leapt to the left and managed to duck beneath his opponent's blade and land a blow square to his jaw. Staggering back, Naraku glared. He raised his weapon and began to swing it violently and swiftly towards the youkai-gone-human.

 

Narrowly dodging the first two swings, his third attempt at evasion was not as clean. The sword dug into his side with a spray of blood. The cut was deep and thick, crimson liquid burned in his throat. Ignoring the pain that shot through him, Sesshoumaru launched forward again. The world around him became a distant blur.

 

<><><><>

 

Rin slid off his back. “Thank you,” she called over her shoulder rushing into the castle and leaving Inuyasha to face a young woman in taijiya attire.

 

“Fight me demon!” Sango yelled lifting hiraikotsu.

 

“Keh, you asked for it.”

 

<><><><>

 

Her heart pounded madly in her chest as she darted past battles between youkai servants she had known, and humans she had never seen before. Too preoccupied with finding him to cry, Rin rushed on. “Please be alright, please,” She muttered.

 

And then she could hear them. She could hear them grunt as they avoided each other's assaults, hear their rapid breathing. Rin stumbled forward, coming to a sudden halt on the balcony where Sesshoumaru was too busy fighting to notice her.

 

And his hair was black, and his markings were gone.

 

“Stop!” Rin screamed frantically. Naraku glanced over, making a mistake he would regret for the rest of his life.

 

Sesshoumaru's hand wrapped around the man's throat. Breathing labored, Sesshoumaru held him over the edge of the balcony. “Sesshoumaru don't!” Rin pleaded. He remained silent, but after a moment the anger melted from his face and his grip on Naraku relinquished, letting the man go.

 

Naraku smirked and took the opportunity to dig his blade into Sesshoumaru's chest. He snarled, and let go. Naraku yelled as he plummeted to his death, and then the yell came to an abrupt stop.

 

And then the midnight-haired human fell. She ran forward, falling to her knees beside him. “You came back,” He muttered softly, a small river of blood flowing from his wounds and mouth.

 

“Of course I came back. I couldn't let them... Oh this is all my fault. If only I'd gotten here sooner.” She whispered as tears formed in her eyes.

 

He smiled faintly as his eyes took on a glazed, faraway look. “Maybe it's better this way.”

 

She shook her head, smiling. “Don't talk like that. You'll be all right. We're together now. Everything's going to be fine. You'll see.”

 

“At least I got to see you one… last… time.”

 

Rin pulled his hand against her cheek, needing to feel his warmth. But there was none. The head he had been struggling so had to hold up fell, and his eyes slid closed. His heart gave one last pathetic beat, and he stilled. At least he looked peaceful… in death.

 

And the last petal wilted and fell.

 

His hand fell from her hold, and she flung herself on top of him. She didn't care about the blood; all she cared about was him. “Please don't leave me!” She screamed in anguish. “Please! I love you!”

 

“Rin…”

 

`No… he's dead. He's dead… dead…'

 

“Rin.”

 

She felt a hand on her back and her eye shot open. Pulling back aghast, she stared at him like he was a ghost. Concern-filled golden hues locked on hers and silver hair fell around him. He sat up slowly, but the blood from his wounds had stopped flowing.

 

“Sesshoumaru…” She cried throwing herself on him. Her head was buried in his chest as she continued to cry. She cried in disbelief, joy. “I love you, “she sobbed, and “I love you so damn much.”

 

After her iron-grip had loosened she pulled back. Their gazes met, and he held hers. “Rin…” He said softly before capturing her lips, arms snaking around her waist. A heat shot through her that chilled her at the same time, and a strength that left her weak. Her pulse quickened. Rin answered the kiss, hesitantly a first, but soon she was only aware of him holding her in his powerful arms. “I love you.”

 

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THE END!!!! (Claps) Well. These author notes may be a little long so hang with me all right? And if anyone was actually wondering, thee is a good chance of an epilogue and then after that I'll be on with finishing `The old Switcheroo' like so many want me to!

 

Thank you to ALL of the reviewers. I'll try to get you better thanks if I write the epilogue. I have no time now. (Sigh)

 

Please review. Even if you think the whole story sucked, tell me why! That way the next story I write will be better! I'm actually proud of myself for finishing this. Hope the ending wasn't too sappy. I detest writing kisses.

 

For those of you who feel disappointed by the ending, sorry. I promise, if I do infact write an epilogue, it will have a lot more fluff. On the same note… tell me what you would want said epilogue to be about.

 

I have a picture I did of Sesshou up on mediaminer if anyone wants to see it. I'm very proud of that. Heh heh.

 

THANK YOU AGAIN!!!! I love you all. Really. (Cry) I do!

 

Now, review!

 

Inuyasha: Stupid story.

Sesshoumaru: We agree for once half-breed.

Ray: Well I never!

Rin: I loved it!

Kagome: So did I!

Ray: Well, thank you!

Sesshoumaru: Insufferable females…

Rin: (kiss)

Sesshoumaru: (blush)

Everyone: O.O