InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Remember Me in the Stars ❯ Promises ( Chapter 15 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

Promises

Sesshoumaru entered the room, same time as always. And expecting the same results. But he

was astonished when he saw his father sitting up and wide awake.

"Father! Are you feeling better?"

"Sesshoumaru. It has been a while since I've seen your face. Have I been sleeping for that

long?"

His father's voice was as he remembered it, strong and proud. Nothing had changed.

"Are you recovering?"

"No, my time is going to end soon. The minutes are ticking away, my son, and I just wanted to

talk to you."

"Save your breath for the energy you need, father. You can overcome this!"

"No, not even the strongest man could battle this illness. You will be graduating soon, top of

your class, no doubt?"

"Yes. But"

His father stopped him with a hand.

"Just let me talk. I left almost everything to you, but I want you to promise me some things."

"What is it?"

"Take care of your brother. I know you do not like him, but look out for him. He is not as

strong or as wise as you. He will need your help in the future."

Sesshoumaru looked away.

"Take care of him Sesshoumaru."

"Yes, father."

"I know you do not intend to marry for a long time. But I want to keep our family name

strong. At least try to pick a fiancee, someone who is your equal. And live life to it's fullest! I

have only begun to understand that there were so many things I have not done. I do not want

that to happen to you. Will you promise me?"

"Yes, but you do not have any hope to live?"

"I've been dying a little every day and I've finally reached the end. But as long as I can have

pride in such fine sons, I know that I've lived a full life."

Sesshoumaru grabbed his father's hand and gripped it tightly.

"Don't leave, not now."

His father smiled.

"Would you let your father suffer?"

"Would you let your son?"

He laid back against his pillows. Inuyasha opened the door and when he saw his father awake

he rushed to the bed.

"Dad! You're awake!"

"Inuyasha. Now that I have my two sons with me, I can die in peace."

"Dying? Dad, don't die!"

"I'm not dying this second, but I can feel it pressing close. Just stay with me tonight, I don't

think I'll last to see the morning."

Both sons nodded in agreement. They stayed at their father's side till dawn, when he

peacefully died in his sleep with the morning rays on his face.

Kagome looked at the empty seat in the corner. Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru had been gone

for several days. Had something happened?

The funeral was private and quiet, with a light rain falling, as if to signify the sorrowful event.

When they let down his father's coffin, Sesshoumaru stood, oblivious to everything except

the coffin. Inuyasha's face was ashen and his lips were tight. When the funeral was over

Sesshoumaru was the last to leave. Standing before his father's new grave, he looked at the

engraved tombstone.

"Your promises I'll keep, father. But we'll meet again, eventually."

He walked away leaving only one thing behind, a lone tear that was quickly washed away by

the falling rain.