Disclaimer: Rumiko Takahashi owns the characters in this story
A Journey Forever…Through Time and Wander
Chapter Thirteen- Through Smoke And Ash
Sesshomaru lowers himself to the ground, surveying his surroundings. He turns his attention to Rin. Without a backward glance, he leaves to inspect the castle himself.
--
Looking around quickly, Inuyasha slowly turns in anticipation of the other dog demons that are behind him. However, once he turns to face them completely, they are all standing proudly, looking at him with a bored display.
Abruptly, they turn their attention to their general who is staring at him. However, Inuyasha does not relax. He watches as the soldiers set about extinguishing the fires, Jaken shouts commands of his own, and two guards heave the dog demon that was fighting when he first arrived. No one has confronted him.
Now he takes his time to examine this place; no longer surprised by the fact that there is a castle in the sky. Every building looks rich, the wood strong, despite the crunching sound of a few structures. Even from this distance, he can see the beautiful gardens beyond the stone walls and curving along the pathways. He has to admit that this place is fascinating once you first set eyes upon it.
No one seems to be making him leave and for some odd reason, he finds himself wanting to stick around a little longer.
Sesshomaru glides above the ground, just as when he went searching for his mate. This time however, he knows where she is and makes all of the turns swiftly leading to the furthest quarters of the compound. With every passing moment that he distances himself from the battlefield, he grows more relaxed. Entering swiftly, he sets his foot on the floor once he is standing at the screen door to the room Rin is occupying. The guard opens the door this time, letting him enter wordlessly once again.
Rin looks up from her position on a futon, and begins scrambling to stand. Her hair is pinned up and she is wearing different kimono from before. Lifting her robes, she hastily makes her way to him stopping inches to stand before her mate. Sesshomaru has to tilt his chin down to look her in the eye. Rin's smile is bright and refreshing, and so is the familiar fragrance that is her. His lips twitch for a second in a flash of a smile.
"I am glad to see you are well my lord!" Rin exclaims. Once he entered, she examined him; looking for any injuries.
"You have been well."
"Yes." She sighs, her voice full of joy and relief. Her shoulders drop slightly and the look around her eyes lose the stressfulness that was there seconds ago
"Sesshomaru."
"Hmm?"
"Can…I leave now? The battle is over, right?"
Her face is hopeful. Looking back at the screen, he stares for a moment, faintly wondering how the gardens will look beyond the veranda.
"Yes." He says slowly and reaches out for her.
Walking down the hall, he stops, waiting for her to catch up to walk beside him as she usually does. He can hear her sandals brushing against the wooden floor as she paces forth faster until she is at his side. Once she stops next to the Western Lord, she looks up, her smile of content. He looks down at her before continuing and has to slow his pace once more when he realizes that she cannot keep up as she used to.
The couple makes their way to the exit at a steady pace, Sesshomaru walking with consideration to Rin. Exiting the quarters, Sesshomaru takes slow steps, keeping Rin by his side. Once outside, he looks at Rin when she begins raising the sleeves of her robes to cover her nose. When she realizes that Sesshomaru is watching her, she promptly drops her arm, and straightens her posture. Although the smoke is not as thick in this part of the grounds, it is still in the air. Lifting her chin up, she walks ahead, attempting to disguise the fact that the smoke is bothering her. Sesshomaru only narrows his gaze and watches, speeding up to stay beside her.
"Are you alright?" He queries while walking next to her.
"Yes."
"Hn." He is not all convinced, but observes her.
The couple silently makes their way to the front, with Sesshomaru slowing down even more; a little hesitant about walking that deep into the receding smoke, but Rin seems to be curious.
When they at last approach the remnants of the battle, Rin's eyes widen at the condition of the castle. The broken stone, shattered courtyard walls and damaged buildings. Looking back at Sesshomaru once, she turns and walks further toward the front of the grounds.
Pausing when Inuyasha looks her way, she smiles at him, waving before looking more to inspect the damage. Inuyasha only nods once, smiling, before his eyes settle on her abdomen and widen in surprise. His brother's mate is pregnant and much further along than Kagome. "So…Sesshomaru's gonna be a father." With a 'humph', he turns to look at his brother with a smirk. "I'd be damn."
Inuyasha knew this would happen; it is inevitable. Nonetheless, he cannot help but be somewhat surprised. Now he will be an uncle. For a moment, he wonders whether his children will get along with their cousins if they ever meet. Finally coming from his musing, Inuyasha notices the look in his brother's eyes, daring him to comment. However, Inuyasha surprises Sesshomaru in return, with one curt nod, and a barely hidden grin, Inuyasha turns back to watch Rin and the rest of the clan.
"Lady Rin! What are you doing out here?!" Jaken shouts as he scampers over to stand in front of her, catching the attention of Lady Miyu. "You should be inside! What are you doing?! Go back inside the castle. You shouldn't be here!"
"Jaken, leave her." Sesshomaru has yet to take his sight off his brother, only watching the different expressions that cross Inuyasha's face.
"Yes my lord."
The clan seems to ignore the exchange, as a few of the demons nod at Rin. Observing some of them, Inuyasha concludes that not all of them are exactly happy about her being their lords mate, but are loyal to Sesshomaru nonetheless. Remembering his own family, Inuyasha abruptly turns to Sesshomaru who is looking straight at him.
"Well Sesshomaru, I don't need to be here. I have my own family. Guess I'll see you around, huh?...and oh congratulations." He cannot help but say 'congratulations' sarcastically. Sesshomaru only pins his gaze on him harder and Inuyasha smirks, turning, arms crossed to walk down the stairway.
"Keh!"
Turning to watch him leave, Rin rushes forward, some of the soldiers telling her that he fought as well. Taking his attention off Inuyasha, Sesshomaru focuses on Rin as she runs to the edge of the stairway, waving enthusiastically.
"Bye Inuyasha! Tell everyone 'Hi' for me!"
For a while, it seems that Inuyasha did not hear her. His head already from sight, but soon, she hears him yelling back.
"Bye Rin!"
Dropping her hands to her sides, she nods once, smiling bright. Turning on her heels, she smiles warmly at Sesshomaru, shuffling her way toward him. Reaching his side, she cannot help but still be mesmerized by his eyes.
"I'm ready to return to our room."
"Very Well." He makes his way to turn and leave, but pauses, returning his attention to his general. General Isamu is watching the exchange between Sesshomaru, Rin, Inuyasha, and Jaken with amusement.
"Stay here."
"Yes Sesshomaru."
Marching forward, he addresses his general, giving orders with ease and elegance, while Isamu only smiles in response. Rin watches, until she is surprised by the movement in her belly, looking down fondly, she places a hand on her ever-growing belly, patting lightly. Rin is more than relieved that everyone seems to be doing fine, that Sesshomaru returned unharmed. With a small intake of breath, she is caught off guard by Sesshomaru's fast reappearance.
"Come."
Following him away from the damage, she stops herself when she prepares to inhale deeply, remembering the smoke in the air. They walk silently to their chambers, a comfort settling between them.
Sesshomaru slides the screen doors open as they continue through the castle. Nodding a 'thanks' once they enter the room, Rin suddenly begins to giggle lightly. Composing herself again, she glances up at Sesshomaru; his eyebrow is quirked and his eyes are curious.
"The baby just moved. Would you…like to…feel?" She takes a chance asking. Sesshomaru does not always find the same things interesting as she does and his displays of affection are unique.
After a long moment of silence, he shifts, moving his arm, but pauses. Then slowly, hesitantly, tentatively and curiously, he places his palm on the bulge that is her stomach. He has felt her abdomen before, when they are lying together, but he has never felt the child move. An odd expression crosses his face, before it softens, a genuine expression that shows both curiosity and contentment.
Weeks Later…
The sun beams brightly, sending rays of light over the many gardens and ponds. The wind flows elegantly, yet it has not removed the smell of smoke and ash from the air. The flowers move gracefully, swaying in the breeze, the leaves rustling lightly. The castle is animated and lively. Soldiers, guards, servants and officials moving around; some almost frantically.
Sesshomaru stands in one of the many gardens, one with more trees. The very garden he greeted his mother in all of those months ago before the mating ceremony. Despite his distance from the chambers that Rin is in, he can still hear the muffled sounds of cries. She went into labor earlier that morning and he gave her and the midwife distance to work.
Hours have passed and Sesshomaru waits to hear news of the condition of his mate and child. So far, no one has reported anything bad. However, he grows anxious by the minute, his outer façade still intact. It has been a while since the last attendant came to tell him something concerning the labor. Glancing briefly in the direction of Rin, he resists the urge to grit his teeth in frustration and worry.
--
The sun is beginning to lower in the horizon. Cautiously a servant approaches him.
"Lord Sesshomaru…"
He does not move, only stands there, his back towards the attendant, his hair twisting with the wind.
"The child has been born."
For a split second, he moves his mouth to speak, but does not. He will see for himself how Rin is doing. Turning on his heels, he passes the bowed servant, pacing himself. He notices his mothers form at the entry to the corridor, as she slowly turns to walk alongside him to Rin. The time almost moves slowly for him, but it is not long before he is at the door to where Rin has given birth.
He waits for a minute, before signaling for the servant to open the screen. Once he steps in, everyone pauses; bowing in respect, but his focus is not on them. It is on Rin. She almost appears groggy, fighting to stay awake. It is obvious that she is exhausted. Her hands are gently stroking a bundle in her lap and his gaze drops to the blankets wrapped tightly.
For a moment, he only stands there, and then slowly he walks forward to kneel next to her. Lady Miyu follows behind, however gives the couple distance as she observes them, waiting to see what her first grandchild will look like. Without looking at the other demons there, he raises a hand, signaling for them to leave. All but his mother exit the chamber. He does not pay attention to her anymore, but his eyes are on the little bundle in Rin's lap. Lifting his gaze up, he locks eyes with Rin and she offers a warm but tired smile.
"You are well?"
With one slow nod, she answers him, too tired to do more. Sesshomaru's face loses tension and he slowly reaches for the blankets in Rin's lap, stopping when he notices that she is still moving her hand over it. She stops, focused solely on his action. Sesshomaru is absorbed in this moment, the moment that shows how much his life has changed. Reaching out finally, he pulls back the blankets to reveal his first child, his heir.
Rin watches patiently, unable to do much more. Lady Miyu watches, patiently waiting for the opportunity to get a closer look at the infant that will carry her blood as well.
He expected the child to look something like Inuyasha, but he does not. His hair is black like his mothers and he has a hazy mark on his forehead, with a single strip along his cheeks. When the infant blinks, reacting to the change in warmth, his eyes are not gold or brown, but hazel with speckles of gold. Unconsciously, he reaches for Rin, eyes still locked on his son. Cupping her cheek, he gently glides his other hand over his new child's head.
"Akihiko." Sesshomaru murmurs, the sound floating through the room.
Rin leans into his touch, eyes drifting shut, her arm falling limp as sleep washes over her. Sesshomaru is aware that Rin has fallen asleep, and brushes his thumb over her cheek once.
Weeks Later…
The smoke has left the grounds completely, the air beginning to feel normal again. The smell of burning giving way to the aroma of the Chinese Bellflowers in the garden and the Sakura's throughout the grounds. The horizon is set in orange as the sun begins to dip to some unknown place. There is a steady sway of wind that weaves through the surroundings, touching the trees, the grass, the ponds and the buildings. Carrying smells from one area to another. Autumn has started below, but here, time is frozen.
Sesshomaru stands near one of the low fences that wrap around this high place, watching the sunset. He has made a decision that will bring him away from home again, however, he will not leave soon and he will not be away long.
He has quietly observed his son, and realizes now that he is experiencing a happiness he never truly sought. However, one he will protect possessively. Silently watching the sun, the wind carries a scent to him, one at this very moment he remembers returning to all of those years ago. Rin.
She already knows that he is aware of her, and walks to stand near him, vision filled with the sun in the horizon. Her arms arm wrapped protectively around their son, tucked warmly in blankets. She glances at Sesshomaru, a warm smile lighting her face. He has been her life. She has come to accompany him, learn him, know him, love him, share days with him, give her body to him, and now share a new life with him. The gift of their union, their child together. A joy fills her as she imagines all of the days that she will spend by his side. Her protector, her friend, her love, her mate, her Lord Sesshomaru.
Gracefully lifting his arm, he places his hand on her shoulder. His hand rests there for a while, and then slowly slides down her back, where he pauses to rub small circles. Letting his hand fall to her waist, he pulls her closer, before his hand finally rest where it sits. The sound of the wind and the soft breathes of Akihiko fill his ears, and for once, he wants nothing more.