Chapter 36: The Closing of Times

A/N: This is a long time coming and I am sorry for keeping you all waiting. So enjoy it. The final chapter of RED.

Taking several deep breaths, Rin's breathing slowed enough for her to relax and looked up at her family. "I'm sorry."

"No need to apologise, Rin." Her mother said, kneeling at her side. "You should sit down for a bit."

"Yeah." She sighed before easing herself into a seat behind her. Once comfortable, she looked over at those around her, the dark clothes her parents were wearing and her own clothes, the sight of her formal IFP uniform that she had only worn a few times before. Her husband was also wearing the same appearance, showing the reason for their dress.

Although they were now in her room, they had just come from Atom's memorial. Sesshomaru knelt at her side as he held her cheek. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm… tired." She sighed, leaning against the chair. "I think the Notriz is… wearing off."

The Inu blinked as his hand subconsciously gripped hers a little tighter. "Rin, you had today's before the ceremony. It shouldn't be wearing out already."

"Perhaps it's the emotions." Darrick put into the concept. "You have been… upset today."

"It's my best friend's funeral." She managed, sarcasm dripping from her voice. "I think I'm allowed to be upset."

"That's not what he meant Rin and you know it." Sesshomaru snapped at her.

"I know. I'm sorry dad."

"It's alright."

"Now…" Rin grunted as she forced herself to stand. "It's getting late and I think we all should turn in for the night. It's been a long day for everyone."

Sesshomaru stepped to her side at once, helping to hold her up. And even if it earned him a slap on the wrist, Rin didn't deny she needed help. The fake Notriz was no longer working as strongly as it should.

She could tell it was. Once up in their room, she confided in Sesshomaru what she knew but he just told her she would be alright and they would find a cure.

~#~

"Rin?"

Rin grumbled but then rolled onto her back, cracking her eyes to look up. "Sesshomaru? Sesshomaru it's the middle of the night. Go back to sleep."

"Rin, its afternoon, almost evening."

She blinked and looked over at the clock and they were indeed entering the night shift. "What? It… it was… it just night." She sighed, covering her eyes. "It's happening again isn't it? I'm losing my mind."

"No, you're not." His hand slowly began running up and down her neck before beginning to kiss it. "You're not, Rin."

"I am Rookie." She said before turning over and sobbed into his arms. "I'm going to forget you. I'm going to forget you all over again."

Allowing her just to sob for a moment, Sesshomaru sighed. "Rin, you won't forget me. And even if you do, I won't give up. I will make you fall in love with me all over again, like I did before."

His woman managed a small weak smile before nuzzling up into his chest. "You know, this was so much easier before."

"What was?"

"The idea of dying." She sighed softly, eyes closed as she held him in. "I use to think that I would… track down Dimiti, and kill him… but then… I figured he would wound me and… I'd take a shuttle to some… green little planet and find a tree where I could see the ocean or a forest… and just fall asleep, never waking up. That's such a simple, easy idea isn't it?"

"I guess. I've never really thought about it."

"How would you die then?"

Sesshomaru took a moment then sighed, rolling onto his back. "I'd… probably want to go in my sleep in my own bed. But I'd know it was coming, just by the feeling and I'd… tell my children and friends, just so they are ready for it."

"Children? Plural?"

"Of course. We'll have lots of others, don't you worry about that."

"I don't know if I can. Takara may have been an accident."

The Inu grinned. "I'm sure we can."

She smiled at him and snuggled into him again. "That's what makes it so hard. Because I have something to live for."

"Hummm…."

Rin sighed to herself then chuckled. "Hey, Rookie…."

"Yeah?"

"Don't you think Takara would like to have two sets of grandparents… not one."

"What do you mean?"

"I'd like… I'd like to see you make up with your father… before I die."

"You're not going to die."

"But I would still like it."

"Why?"

"'Cause family is all we have. I just want to see you get along with your dad as much as I get along with mine now."

Sesshomaru bit his lip for a moment. "I don't know Rin, my father and I… us sorting things out is possible but me going to him… is different."

The woman purred a little. "Please? For me?"

He sighed. "Alright. We'll go speak to him."

~#~

Lord Tashio sighed as he went up to the main door and opened it. He blinked suddenly at who was stood before him. Not only was it his son but he was wearing clothes of the planet, normal loose fitting clothes that folded over on each other. Tashio felt his jaw drop before he gained control of himself. "Sesshomaru."

His son nodded slightly, looking down at the floor. "Father."

The older Inu's eyes moved to look at who else was in his doorway and saw the same young woman he had met briefly before. But where before she had seemed strong and full of colour, now she appeared weak and pale. Sick even. But in her arms was a bundle.

Eyes darting between the three, Lord Tashio smiled. "Why don't you all come inside? I'll have some tea prepared."

His son appeared a little apprehensive about stepping though the door but the woman grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. "That would be very nice Lord Tashio. We've had a long journey."

They walked towards a living room slowly as Sesshomaru's father thought over the woman at his side. "RED… isn't it?"

"It's Rin now. I've started using my real name, Lord Tashio."

"Well, you don't need to use 'lord'. Not as we're family now." He said the last part, peaking inside the bundle. "How old is he?"

"It's a girl." His son snapped. "And her name is Takara."

"She's just over a month old."

"She's beautiful. Can I hold her?"

Rin nodded, handing over the bundle carefully to the older man. Takara sat still for a moment but then opened her eyes and smiled, letting out one of her famous giggles.

Her grandfather laughed as well. "Well, she sure is a spirited little thing. Just like her father."

"Sesshomaru laughed when he was a baby?"

"Quiet often." He gave a small grin. "And… I think I have some pictures if you want to see."

"I'd love to!"

Behind the pair, Sesshomaru sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "This is going to be a long day."

Sitting in the tea room, the group were soon joined by Lord Tashio's wife and Rin had to punch Sesshomaru in the ribs to stop him overreacting. But even if the youngest Inu in the room remained silent, the others talked for hours, cooing over their children and laughing.

But after a long laugh at the Inu's expense, Rin began to cough and recoiled on herself, shaking.

Sesshomaru nearly sprang into action and grabbed hold of her, holding her close to his chest. "Rin, Rin, calm down. Remember deep breaths."

It took a moment but Rin took some slow breaths until she stopped coughing and set herself in his arms. Within a few seconds, she was asleep and Sesshomaru let out a deep breath before looking down at her. "Oh Rin…"

His father looked at her from the other side of her, reaching out as if the touch her but too scared. "Is she alright?"

"No. She's… dying."

"Dying?"

He sighed gently to the ground, holding her close. "There is a poison in her blood. We thought we had it under control but now… it's killing her again."

The man remained still and thought for a moment. "Sesshomaru, do you love her?"

As if insulted by such a question, his son frowned. "Of course I do. With every fibre of my body."

"Then… there may be a way to save her. But it will come at a cost."

"Cost? What kind of cost?"

"That depends on you. But you have thought about the Iyashino Puru?"

Sesshomaru blinked then turned his head away. "This is no time for fairy tales father."

"No because the Puru could help her."

"Father, Rin and I have been seen by some of the finest doctors of the IPF. The greatest minds of the universe have looked over her condition. And you think some magic water could fix her?"

He sighed. "Look, I know you have never really believed in things you don't understand. But I have seen what it can do. It is on an island, not far to the east of here. No one is allowed on it without permission from a high priestess." Tashio looked over at his son and nodded. "One of whom, as it happens, is dating one of your half-brothers, and is coming for a visit tomorrow."

Sesshomaru took a deep breath at the mention of 'brother' but he thought about it and the hope that his wife and mate could be saved was more than his disgust. "I guess we can try it. Thank you."

"For now, let's make her comfortable and maybe you can both get some rest. You look exhausted my son."

Not admitting his true situation and lifting Rin up into his arms, Sesshomaru carried her as his father led the way to a guest room while his father's wife carried Takara behind them.

Laying her down on the bed, Sesshomaru nodded his thanks and took his daughter. "Thank you."

"Get some rest, Sesshomaru." His father said again before closing the door.

Alone, Sesshomaru walked over to his mate, kneeling to her side and brushed her hair back. "It's alright, Rin. I'll do anything to keep you safe. I swear."

The woman moved slightly in her state but nothing changed so her mate stepped away.

~#~

Sesshomaru couldn't believe he was doing this. His little half-brother was standing before him with a member of the high priestesses, offering to help him.

Luckily Rin had woken up and was leaning on his arm, giving him the strength not to kill the punk. His brother, InuYasha by name, had certainly grown from the last time they had met when he had been kidnapped.

Lord Tashio nodded. "Thank you for coming, Kagome. It is always good to have you visit us."

"It's alright, Tashio." She said softly. "But, I can tell there is something on your mind."

"You always can see me though my dear."

Rin sighed. "Kagome, I… I need your help."

"Oh?"

"She's dying. And I believe the Iyashino Puru can cure her."

The woman in question bit her lip and looked away in embarrassment as the priestess looked her over then stepped closer. "May I?" Kagome asked as she moved over to Rin. When the other woman nodded, she placed her hands on her, one on her forehead, and the other on her chest, then closed her eyes.

Rin's heart began to race and her eyes closed as well.

A few sharp painful memories flickered over her mind but eventually Kagome stepped back and panted. "That… is a strong poison. I… I don't know if the pool can cure it."

"Please." Sesshomaru said softly. "Can't you try? We have done everything imaginable to try and stop this." He held Rin's hand tight.

The priestess thought about it then shook her head. "The Iyashino Puru has great power but it always comes at a price. Something this strong… the price would be just as strong."

"But it would cure her?"

"Yes."

"Then we will pay the price. Life, no matter what… is worth it."

Kagome took a moment then turned to Rin. "You think the same Rin?"

"Yes."

"Then… I guess I will take you. But we have to leave under moonlight."

The next night, Rin, Sesshomaru, Kagome and InuYasha left for the short walk to the closest dock, sailing out into the ocean on a small ship, the full moon above lighting the way to an island just off from the coast. It took only half an hour before they got close enough for InuYasha to climb out and tied the craft off, allowing the others to climb down onto worn path. He nodded to his brother. "I'll stay here."

"Thank you InuYasha." Rin said before she walked with Sesshomaru and Kagome into the island, heading underground.

A quick walk and they arrived at a small pool cut into the rocks, the waters had an unusual purplish tint that was perfectly still, and the water so deep the bottom couldn't be seen. The trio approached it and looked over it before Kagome sighed. "Rin, are you sure about this?"

"If this water can get rid of the pain of the Notriz then I am willing to try it."

With a nod, the silver haired woman stepped into the water, her gown floating on the surface before she held her hand out to the other. With a glance back at her mate, Rin kissed his lips then stepped away, walking down the stone steps into the pool, holding Kagome's hand as she went, the water coming up around her neck. Then, she moved off the last step and was completely submerged in the water.

Kagome, stood on the last step, watched the water but Rin didn't surface for a while, she couldn't be seen under the liquid. Sesshomaru stood at the top and watched it as well. "She'll drown!"

"Have faith, Sesshomaru." Kagome said, looking over at him.

"If she doesn't come up soon, she's going to drown!"

"Getting rid of the Notriz is not going to be an easy task, Sesshomaru. It will take time."

The Inu closed his hands into a fist, watching the water, holding his breath as he waited.

Three long painful minutes passed before there was any movement. A bubble broke the water. Then another, and another.

Then like a bullet from a gun, Rin shot up from the unknown depths and gasped for air before panicking for ai. Sesshomaru didn't hesitate, jumping in and grabbing her, helping her to the edge and holding her tight. "Rin! Rin, it's alright, I'm here, come on. Deep breaths."

She gasped a bit then took some slower, deeper breaths that settled her down before she nodded. "Se…Sesshomaru."

He nodded to her then looked her over. He couldn't help but notice that her long black hair was now a pure white, almost the same as his own. "Kagome?"

The priestess was at the water's edge, frowning as she placed her hand on the surface. "That is strange."

"What is it?"

"Rin… you know I said there would be a price to pay?"

"Yes?"

"The pool has taken the Notriz away… but if you leave this planet… it will return to you. That is your price."

Rin and Sesshomaru both looked quite confused. "I don't understand." Rin asked. "Is that possible?"

"Something about the atmosphere is holding it back." Her mate suggested. "Leave and whatever it is will stop working."

"If that is your scientific opinion, Sesshomaru." Kagome said as she left the pool and picked up a warm blanket, wrapping it around Rin. "Whatever the reason, Rin cannot leave this planet."

"Well." She said, holding the blanket tight. "There goes the IPF."

"Perhaps that's for the best Rin." Sesshomaru said as they began to walk back for the boat. "We have worked hard over the last few years and Takara is going to need you now. And I can certainly think of worse places to retire."

Rin sighed and nodded, "Yes, I suppose you're correct. But it'll be hard to leave the force."

"I know, Rin, but you have a real family now. And as much as I hate to admit it…" he glanced at the priestess and sighed. "You're safe here with even more family to help you."

She smiled at him. "As long as I have you, I'll be happy."

"You'll always have me, Rin, and now I'll always have you." He kissed her forehead softly.