Finale: Tsuki tou Taiyoo

(Moon and Sun)

They landed soundlessly in an un-charred area of the plain. Sesshomaru gently laid her down on the grass. Every muscle in Rin's body was aching, and she could not sit up. At once, Jaken was at her side, and not far away was Ah-Un as well.

"Rin!" he exclaimed happily. "I thought you were a goner!"

"Jaken," said Sesshomaru steadily. "Stay here." Jaken looked up and saw that his master was very angry, as the cool exterior tightened.

"Stupid demon's going to get it now, Rin. You'll see," smiled Jaken. Rin could not help but smile back. But her body was now giving way to fainting, and all went black.

Sesshomaru faced Makoto without a word. Makoto sensed the ken-ki on this demon lord, and took a few steps back. He was surprised when this demon came out of nowhere to save the girl. Makoto was disappointed that he couldn't hear the impact of flesh and bone against the ground.

"Who the hell are you, bastard?" he demanded, staring down the finely dressed demon who was now his opponent.

"I would not sully my name by having you repeat it on your foul lips," Sesshomaru-sama replied coolly.

Sesshomaru-sama. You are so damn COOL! Jaken admired from afar with a ridiculous teary face and starry eyes.

"This has nothing to do with you, demon lord. This is between me and the girl. Meiyuuri and I have unfinished business. I will end the Yamazaki Clan's future right here and now and have my revenge!" Makoto scowled. He threw his boomerang scythe once more and then charged after Sesshomaru with lightning speed. Raising his sword with his one arm, Sesshomaru expertly blocked the attack from the scythe, sending it spiraling away into the distance and landing into the ground with a metallic "clank." As for Makoto's advance, Sesshomaru took a step aside to dodge it, and simultaneously blocked the swing. Makoto charged ahead into the open air, puzzled that Sesshomaru could have dodged and blocked so quickly. Sesshomaru's movements were flowing and elusive, like water.

"Bastard," he hissed, turning back towards his opponent.

"Disappear," said Sesshomaru, with frosty malice in his voice. Gathering his ken-ki, he focused the energy into his blade and made a swinging arc to launch his fiercest attack, the dragon cyclone. In the attack, Makoto was melting down, his cries gurgling as his lungs burnt up. Seconds later, he completely disintegrated into nothing. Along with Makoto so his foul army also melted into nothing.

"Impossible!" screamed the foul spirit that had revived Makoto. Then, it disappeared into nothing. The humans had actually managed to retreat and gathered atop the hill with a wounded Jun'ichiro in a stretcher. They were out of harm's way when the final attack disintegrated the entire demon army. They gasped in awe and horror at the power of this demon lord.

When it was done, they didn't know whether to cheer or to attack again. A finely dressed demon lord had vanquished the enemy in a heartbeat, but the princess was still lying unconscious on the battle field. No one dared go near the demon lord, but they hovered anxiously, hoping that Rin was still alive and they were unwilling to completely retreat back to the safety of the castle without her. The demon lord returned to where she lay, and from what they could observe, it seemed as though he was tending to her wounds. They watched from a distance, still anxious, and set up camp atop the hill and tended to their wounded as well.

000

Rin awoke after a very sweet dream. In the dream, she had seen Sesshomaru-sama once again and she was happier than she had been for a very long time. The expression in his gaze as he watched her was warm. Her eyes fluttered open and she looked up at the night sky. The menacing clouds were gone and the river of stars flowed across the velvet canopy. Rin wondered if she had died. She felt nothing, not even pain. And she was very comfortable. Rin then realized that she was wrapped in a gorgeous, thick pelt of white fur. It was very soft to the touch and very familiar. Beside her, the small figure of an imp was tending a blazing fire. Atop the fire was a kettle of something that smelled quite unpleasant.

"Jaken-sama?" she whispered. Her throat was hoarse from giving out all those commands during the battle. It was then that she realized she had not died and the truth of her situation came back to her. She shot up to sit and called out "Sesshomaru-sama!" Immediately, the pain came back to her in full force with her sudden movement, and she nearly doubled over as her body protested.

"Ouch!" Rin whispered, gripping the fur pelt with clenched fists.

"Now Rin, lay back down at once!" said Jaken. "Your broken bones will not heal if you keep moving around like that. After painstakingly wrapping your wounds, I am not happy at the thought of you busting at the seams and bleeding everywhere again. I'd have to start all over!" Rin regained her composure and smiled.

"Thank you, Jaken-sama." He sighed and continued to stir the contents of the pot over the open fire. "You had me scared for a moment, Rin. I almost thought you weren't going to make it…thank goodness Sesshomaru-sama intervened when he did. You'd be nothing but a flat rice cake on the grass otherwise." Rin laughed a little, minding not to laugh too hard since her ribs were very sore. Jaken poured a cup of dark liquid from the pot and let it cool on top of a flat rock, fanning it with his sleeve.

"What is that foul smelling potion, Jaken?" asked Rin curiously.

"It will help you feel better," said a deep, familiar voice from behind her. She gasped slightly and looked up. Sesshomaru was walking towards her.

"Sesshomaru-sama," she said in a very small voice.

"It should be ready now, Sesshomaru-sama!" exclaimed Jaken, handing the cup over to his master. Sesshomaru knelt down close beside her so that Rin could prop herself up against his shoulder. He then gave her the cup to drink.

"It smells foul," said Rin, wrinkling her nose.

"Drink," commanded Sesshomaru. She did as she was told, holding her breath all the while as she gulped the elixir down. It was warm going down, and it did actually make her feel better.

"Sesshomaru-sama," said Rin looking up at him. "Thank you."

Sesshomaru looked away with a soft "Hmph." She grinned broadly as tears welled up in her eyes and she buried her face into the folds of his robes.

"I've missed you, Sesshomaru-sama," she whispered. He did not respond.

"I'm sorry if you felt me ungrateful for leaving so suddenly," she continued. "I only left because I felt like I was being a burden to you. I would only be in your way if I stayed there. But Rin was so lonely after she left," she said. "I had no idea how much I was going to miss you." Rin leaned up closer to him.

"Sesshomaru-sama…I really like you," she said. Rin paused and forced her courage to the surface. It was now or never. "I think I love you, Sesshomaru-sama."

He looked down at the top of her head, wondering if she had really said it. He took a slow deep breath and exhaled evenly, and let go of his grudge. Sesshomaru could not be angry with Rin for long. Yes, he was upset at her sudden unannounced departure. He was also upset that she did not come back and was actually intending to stay in the human world. Sesshomaru was actually annoyed that she did not send word of where she was and that he had to traipse the countryside to determine her whereabouts and only by chance did he wander towards this field. Whether it was luck or fate or both that led him here, he did not know. Sesshomaru was extremely annoyed that she had actually risked her life in battle, a foolish proposition that would have wasted all the time he spent in the past eleven years protecting her life.

He was grateful, however, that she had managed to stay alive long enough for him to save her once more. He was not certain that Tenseiga could revive her a second time and Sesshomaru was not particularly keen on testing that theory. He was of the opinion that Rin should stay by his side, lest she lose her life attempting something reckless. Humans were prone to such unreasonable behavior. Actually, he was surprised that Rin had such recklessness in her. He had caught a glimpse of it when she was smaller. But today, she had fought rather impressively, for a human. Of course, this Sesshomaru would not admit to any of these things out loud. But, he simply allowed her to cry her tears into his beautifully embroidered white silk kimono.

"Sesshomaru-sama," said Jaken quietly. He let his panic subside and watched helplessly as he saw his master's features soften. Rin's tears had assuaged Sesshomaru's features considerably, and his master was allowing her to be at his illustrious side. Jaken fought the urge to gawk in astonishment. It seemed that the inevitable had finally happened. The Inu Clan was doomed.

"Jaken," said Sesshomaru.

"Yes," answered Jaken nervously. Sesshomaru took the cup from Rin's hands and held it up for Jaken to take away. A large bead of sweat hung from Jaken's brow. It appeared that Lord Sesshomaru wanted to be alone with her. Jaken was being sent to do the dishes. Restraining his tongue from muttering something rude, Jaken took the cup and the pot and headed towards the river.

Just then, they were approached by and handful of unarmed servants who were on a mission to retrieve their hime. They shifted nervously and all together bowed before Sesshomaru. One of them, a young woman, came forth with warm clothing and a cloak in her arms. Rin turned around and wiped her eyes. They wanted her to go back. They needed her to go back.

"Exalted demon lord, we thank you for intervening in our battle. We are grateful for your assistance. We have come to retrieve and tend to our Meiyuuri Hime at the request of her cousin, Prince Jun'ichiro."

"W-What?" asked Jaken scratching his head. "Rin, since when did you become a princess?"

"Since birth, so they tell me," smiled Rin ruefully. She turned to face Sesshomaru.

"I thank you very much, Sesshomaru-sama," she said quietly, not really wanting to part with him. "My family…my clan…expects my return." She got up and her servants immediately were at her side. They wrapped the robe around her and covered her in the long cloak. Rin bowed once, low and halting due to the dull pain in her ribs, and then her servants hurriedly ushered her back up the hill, sending anxious looks back at the demon lord. Rin did take a glance behind her as well and saw that Sesshomaru was watching her. But what was the expression in his eyes? Could it be that he did not want her to go?

Just say the word, and I shall return to your side, thought Rin fiercely, hoping by some bond between them he would understand her wish. But Rin realized that it was not something Sesshomaru would ever say, especially not to her. She fought her disappointment and looked away.

"Meiyuuri-chan!" exclaimed Jun'ichiro happily as she reached the top of the hill. He embraced her warmly. Rin looked up and smiled at her cousin. Protectively, Jun'ichiro moved her behind him as he looked upon Sesshomaru in the distance.

"Who is that?" he asked.

"He is my protector," replied Rin.

"Protector? But, he's a…demon," hesitated Jun'ichiro.

"Yes. Sesshomaru-sama is a very powerful demon lord of the Inu Clan. He is a prince among demons," she smiled. "When I was small, and my family was murdered, I had no one. No one wanted me. I was attacked by wolves and I…I died." Her cousin looked at her incredulously.

"It's true. But Sesshomaru-sama revived me with the magical sword his father left for him, cutting the bonds of death that held me. And from then forward, he allowed me to accompany him in his travels and adventures. He has taken care of me until only recently, when I left without permission to find my own path," she said. The expression on her face was something that Jun'ichiro had not seen before. He turned towards Sesshomaru and bowed deeply in respect and gratitude. Then, he led Rin away from the hilltop and back towards their camp.

Rin was assigned a vast tent with rich furnishings. Her servants had prepared her a quick bath and a small meal. Rin washed herself but was not hungry. Once her attendants were dismissed, she slept soundly as the potion Sesshomaru had given her worked through her system. Her rest was deep and relaxing. Amid her peaceful repose, she dreamed of Sesshomaru. He was standing atop a hill in the moonlight, but she could not find her voice to call to him. There were fireflies burning and fading around him. He was surrounded by a collage of daisies at his feet. In her dream, Rin saw that he held one of the flowers in his hand.

Rin awoke to the sound of her servants setting up her breakfast. She rose and allowed them to dress her in her kimono and robes. Rin did not feel as sore as she did the previous night, though her left arm still did not work properly. Her hair was combed and arranged neatly with small floral adornments. She then took her breakfast on the low table they had set up for her.

"Hime, Lord Jun'ichiro requests permission to enter," said a guard outside of the tent flap.

"Yes, please let him in," said Rin, dismissing her servants.

"I'm so glad you feel better, Rin," he beamed. Pulling up a cushion, he sat by her and poured a cup of tea for himself. As always, Rin found his forwardness endearing. "I didn't even have a chance to thank you for saving my life twice on the battle field."

"You would have done the same for me," she smiled.

"Your captains and the warriors of the Yamazaki clan are quite impressed with your abilities," he marveled. "They have all decided to follow you and pledge their loyalty." Jun'ichiro helped himself to some fruit on the table. Rin hesitated. She was not certain that this was what she wanted. Another path was calling her. Her cousin sensed her inner turmoil and put a hand on hers. Rin looked at him, and his smile was warm and understanding.

"When I suggested that we marry, to preserve the Yamazaki line, you did not respond. Is he one of the reasons?" he asked. Rin did not answer, but looked away.

"You…love him, don't you?" he asked quietly.

"What I feel does not matter," she said sullenly. "Demons and humans should not mingle."

"But clearly he cares for you, Meiyuuri-chan," Jun'ichiro said gently. Rin looked at him questioningly. What was he getting at?

"I don't know any demons really, but your Sesshomaru seems like a noble, genteel and proud sort. Perhaps he has no strong affinity towards humans but he has made an allowance for you, it seems. He's taken care of you all this time. And suddenly he appears when you needed him most. I don't think it was by chance, Meiyuuri-chan. I think he may have been out here looking for you," he admitted.

"But why would he even bother?" asked Rin.

"You give yourself too little credit, Meiyuuri. You are a warm and caring person, passionate and not a little reckless. You are beautiful, strong and I daresay very admirable."

"Oh stop it, Jun-san," said Rin, shaking her head and blushing. She was not used to being praised so openly. But her cousin was an open sort of person. She loved him for that.

"Sesshomaru seems to be a demon who can appreciate someone like you. He may not be able to express it, but surely his actions give his feelings away," said Jun'ichiro. Rin was wide-eyed with astonishment. She had not really thought of Sesshomaru feeling that way about her. Expressing his feelings was completely out of character for Sesshomaru-sama. Perhaps he traveled so far because he really was worried about her? Rin found herself blushing fiercely. Could it be true?

"Jun-san," began Rin, not really knowing how to respond.

"I have explained to the Yamazaki Clan elders the situation. They were a bit worried for you, but it seems as though they comprehend the difficulty of your choices. We could not blame you if you wished to leave," he said.

"Leave?" she asked, quite confused. "Leave where?"

"But remember," he added. "I am only an acting steward for your seat of leadership. The Yamazaki clan still recognizes you as Okashira. You are the true clan leader. You may return whenever you wish."

"Return?" she asked.

"Silly girl," he admonished. "Stop repeating everything I say. Did you not know that your Sesshomaru-sama is still out there where you left him? I think he might be waiting for you. Maybe you should go ask him if he intends to stay. That way the villagers can build him a shrine, or something. We can even hold seasonal matsuri in his honor." His sarcasm was clearly noticeable. Rin threw a piece of fruit at her cousin for being mockingly disingenuous. Jun'ichiro only laughed.

"So he's still here?" she asked, incredulously, unable to hide the smile on her face. He nodded.

Without another word, Rin left the tent. Peering into the morning light across the plain, she headed towards the hilltop. Several soldiers and servants bowed as she passed. When she reached the hilltop, she looked into the distance and saw a small white figure standing underneath a tree. He really was still there. Rin picked up her hem and went down the hill. Her robes and skirts were billowing out behind her in the morning breeze. He watched her as she approached. Many things were going through her head as she walked closer. Rin's mind was racing with questions and feelings that she did not have words to describe. Not knowing what to say as she came into the shade of the large camphor tree, Rin dropped him a graceful curtsey. She looked up hesitantly and bit her lip, searching for an answer in his eyes. Sesshomaru's golden eyes looked at her softly now, something she was still not used to seeing.

"Sesshomaru-sama," she said in a small voice. His name was like an enchantment on her lips. It made time stop for that moment. Again, she felt as though she was five years old, looking up to a figure whom she believed to be god-like. But now she knew that blood flowed through his veins, like any other living creature. He did not seem so god-like now, as he looked at her with such an expression. Rin was drawn into that expression, and she automatically found her steps going towards him, and she stood in front of him. She leaned in and rested her head against his un-armored shoulder.

"Rin would rather be with you than anywhere else," she said quietly.

"But you are well cared for here by your own clan, with your own people," he said evenly.

"Nowhere am I cared for better, Sesshomaru-sama, than with you," she said. "Rin would like to stay with you, if you will allow it." She dared to lean closer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. He said nothing. They stood there under the shade of the camphor tree in silence. The morning breeze carried wisps of their hair into the air. Her dark hair flew out and was entwined with his pale silver locks.

"You may do as you please," Sesshomaru replied in soft whisper. She felt his arm gently move around her waist, securing her position by his side. Rin inhaled his familiar scent and smiled. It was like coming home.

Finis.