Chapter 7

"Lord Sesshomaru, the castle repairs are complete!" Jaken said to Sesshomaru three weeks after the war had ended.

Sesshomaru looked over his home. All traces of Geril's attacks were finally erased.

"The final estimations have arrived," Osumo said, "Three million demons total, all dead."

"That is quite a number," Jaken replied.

"Lord Dracon has driven the army back to Europe. Lord Faust and Lord Dracula gave them a proper reception."

"That's it then," Jaken nodded, "The end of this trouble."

"The humans will see this as a defeat," Sesshomaru said, "What are Dracon's plans for retaliation against the traitors in his realm?"

"He has not made any plans," Osumo replied, "Not that we know of."

"Those humans deserve no less than painful deaths," Jaken said.

"Osumo, I want the law scrolls regarding humans sent to my chambers," Sesshomaru said.

"Human laws?" Osumo asked, "What for, my lord?"

Sesshomaru only walked away.

"Our lord must be planning something," Osumo said to Jaken.

"Well.. of course he is!" Jaken replied, "He never does anything without reason!"

A week later, Sesshomaru watched Rin play with the demon slayer's children. His nephew sat on the sidelines, sharpening an arrowhead. One of the twin girls chased Rin down. She pretended to be caught and fell as the children "slayed" her.

"Chore time!" Sango called out to her children.

The children ran inside the demon slayer's house. Akito remained at work sharpening his arrowheads.

"It's good to be at peace again," Myoga said from the top of Akito's head.

"Uncle's here," Akito said.

Rin glanced at Sesshomaru. She smiled as he looked at her..

"Lord Sesshomaru, how wonderful to see you," Myoga greeted.

"Where is my brother?" Sesshomaru asked.

"What'd you want?" Inuyasha asked from a high tree branch.

"You should speak more respectfully to your older brother," Sesshomaru chastised him.

"That all? You're offended by my manners?"

"I need to speak to you and your family. The old flea as well."

"What about?" Inuyasha looked at him more seriously.

"Gather them quickly and we will not waste time."

Grunting, Inuyasha leaped out of the tree. Moments later, Kagome, Akito, and Myoga stood in front of Sesshomaru.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" Jaken ran up to them, "You hurried ahead without me!"

"Jaken, the document," Sesshomaru ordered.

"Right here," Jaken held up a scroll.

"Give it to Inuyasha."

Jaken held out the scroll to Inuyasha. Curiously, Inuyasha sniffed the scroll. Then he untied the string and broke the paper seal. He read the document with folded eyebrows. Kagome peered over his shoulder.

"Ho!" Myoga jumped up and down on Inuyasha's shoulder, "Lord Sesshomaru! You've made your father proud!"

"What does it say?" Jaken asked.

"Dad?" Akito asked.

Inuyasha handed the scroll to Akito. The boy read it with Jaken leaning over to scan the text. Jaken's mouth fell open.

"I don't want anything to do with it," Inuyasha said.

"You not being consulted," Sesshomaru replied.

"Inuyasha, you're... heir of the Western Lands?" Kagome asked in awe.

"I ain't taking it!" Inuyasha said.

"Master Inuyasha, that's no way for a demon lord to speak," Myoga said.

"I ain't a demon lord!" Inuyasha groused, "Is this some sort of guilt trip or something? Cause I don't care about it!"

"Clearly, Lord Sesshomaru has been blessed by his father's wisdom and has sought to atone for his slights against you, my lord," Myoga cried.

"Nothing of the sort," Sesshomaru replied.

"Then why?" Myoga asked.

Sesshomaru's gaze fell behind them. Rin was picking herbs at the tree line. Kagome and Jaken looked to where his eyes rested. Kagome smiled and Jaken sighed.

"Lord Sesshomaru has shown you great generosity, Lord Inuyasha," Jaken said.

"Lord?" Inuyasha asked.

"He has acknowledged you, a half demon, as an heir of the land. You are therefore extended all rights and privileges to that position. You may come and go to the castle and Yambiro as you see fit. Your father's court awaits you."

"What now?"

"Does this mean that I'm a princess now?" Kagome asked.

"If you must see it that way," Jaken said.

"I can live with that," Kagome nodded with a smile.

"You're easily pleased," Jaken muttered.

"You do not have to reside in the castle," Sesshomaru said, "You are welcome to remain in your current residence."

"Sure," Inuyasha stretched, "But maybe I'll come visit. A lot."

"Act more according to your station," Sesshomaru advised, "I will not intercede if you offend any of the nobles."

"Teh. They should avoid ticking me off."

"Your conduct leaves much to be desired for a prince of the west," Sesshomaru pointed out, "Your son possesses more demon dignity and he is only part demon."

"Well," Akito said, "I've always admired you, Uncle. And I thought I could be more like you if I tried to act more like you."

"What?" Inuyasha asked darkly.

"Ho ho," Jaken scoffed, "Your son has good taste."

"What's so admirable about him?!" Inuyasha pointed to Sesshomaru.

"Come on, Inuyasha," Kagome said, "Everyone has someone they admire. It doesn't mean he loves you any less."

"But why Sesshomaru?!"

"It's better than acting like Miroku."

"You've got a point," Inuyasha admitted, "But a snobby demon aristocrat isn't exactly too far above a perverted monk."

Sesshomaru pounded his brother on the head.

"Hey!" Inuyasha pointed his fist at Sesshomaru, "You wanna start something?"

"I am still well within my rights to kill you," Sesshomaru began to walk away.

"Hey, we're still talking!"

"Let him go," Kagome urged, "He wants to be with Rin."

"It's going to happen after all," Jaken sighed.

"It's not a bad thing," Kagome replied.

"Easy for a human to say."

"What do you two mean?" Inuyasha asked.

"Dad, even I know what they mean," Akito said.

"Hmm... I don't get it," Inuyasha said.

"It's been awhile since we've been alone like this," Rin said as she and Sesshomaru walked through the forest.

"Rin, I did not come here just to see Inuyasha," Sesshomaru said.

"Why then?"

"I made Inuyasha an heir to the West," Sesshomaru said.

"Oh, that's kind of you."

"I didn't do it to be kind to my brother. I did to set a precedence."

"What precedence?"

"That a half-demon can now inherit the title of Lord of the Western Lands."

Rin stopped in the middle of the path. She looked up at Sesshomaru.

"I, Sesshomaru, am the Lord of the Western Lands. A leader. A ruler. A conqueror. You are a human, with no place among demons. Humans cannot live in a demon world-"

"I know," Rin shook her head, "But you-"

"I am not finished speaking," he growled.

Rin flinched.

"Taking a human would destroy the repute of any demon. For a lord, this is enough to start wars. For his followers to declare insurrection. His strength, power, and character would be called into question. Many would die. And the demon's human wife would be in constant danger. And a union that resulted in hanyo children is nothing short of damning. Do you understand?"

"Yes, that's why-"

"A simple 'yes' will suffice," he snarled, "Such children would suffer. They would never be accepted until they had proven their power. Training is a long and hard path. There would be pain, suffering, perhaps even hatred for the parents."

Rin's body started to shake.

"Such children might curse a human mother. But..."

His expression softened.

"This Sesshomaru would be honored if you would be that mother."

Rin's eyes went wide and her mouth fell open.

"I did not reveal this to you before because I feared for your wellbeing," Sesshomaru said, "I feared that your life would be in danger from members of my court who opposed a human as my bride. I also feared the fight that would erupt over the prospect of a half-blood heir. But... Inuyasha has proven more capable than any one of us anticipated. And you... Rin, you have proven your strength. Your willpower is a match for any demon's."

Rin's hands began to tremble as Sesshomaru stepped towards her.

"I wish for you to be at my side, as my wife. And as Lady of the Western Lands."

Her skin flushed red and her heart began to race. Rin looked away from him, her ears turning a bright red.

"Rin?" Sesshomaru pressed.

"Lord Sesshomaru... I'm happy..." Rin said, "But I... don't think it's wise."

"What?" he asked in shock.

"It's too much," Rin looked at him, "If there's going to be fighting... It's too much to ask of the demons. I can't accept one life lost for my happiness."

"Rin... The world you want to create requires sacrifices," Sesshomaru said, "Nothing like this comes without bloodshed."

"I'm glad you've changed your heart, but... I'm not sure I could be the Lady of the West. I can't rule demons. Even as a figurehead."

"Rin," he reached for her arm, "You are the proper lady of the west."

"But how many will die before our wedding? And after? And when we have children?"

"I do not know. But I will do all I can to prevent those deaths. You have shown a nobility and honor even the best of demons lack."

"Lord Sesshomaru, I'll stand by you if you promise me one thing."

"What is that?"

"That I don't have to change for you or for anyone else," she stared at him with fire in her eyes.

"You have my word," he promised.

"Lord Sesshomaru, there's one more thing."

"Yes?"

"I love you."

He gasped.

"Rin, I... I am grateful," he replied, "Will you become my bride?"

"Yes," she nodded.

Rin threw her arms around him, catching him off guard. Listening to her heartbeat, he absorbed her heat, and inhaled her sweet scent.

"So?" Kagome practically pounced on Rin as they came out of the forest.

"He asked me to marry him," Rin's face turned pink.

"Congratulations!" Kagome shouted, "Welcome to the family, Rin!"

"Took you long enough," Inuyasha said to Sesshomaru.

"Lord Sesshomaru, let me be the first to say how happy I am on this most joyous of events," Jaken said.

"We're leaving," Sesshomaru said.

"Already, my lord?" Jaken asked.

"There are things to prepare for," Sesshomaru looked at Rin, "I will return for you soon."

"I'll be waiting," Rin smiled.

Sesshomaru resolved that she would not for long.

Note: This the last chapter. I hope you have all enjoyed this story.