Disclaimer: I do not own Rumiko Takahashi's InuYasha or any character's within the Manga (or Anime). Only Satoru and his wonderful children, and Sesshomaru's, belong to me.

Author's Note: I have nothing much to say except that I am sorry for not updating sooner and I hope your all still with me and that you enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 14

Time To Say Goodbye

I was frozen solid as I stood beneath the blanket of darkness that covered the sky, not even the moon saw fit to make an appearance. For that very reason the courtyard glowed dim with the lanterns staked into the ground around us. The flames did nothing to ease the cold that sent my body into small spasms from the cold, shaking here and there as if it would make it better. Through my socks and furs I could still feel the icy fingers of the Western Land's winter season. I felt my fingertips go numb from lack of blood as I clutched the layers of silk and furs that proved insufficient, yet all of this was not apparent to me. Neither my eyes nor my mind were present here, so much time had passed in the silence of my own thoughts. My mind wandered from the sight of my husband and son preparing their horses, fastening their armor and weapons. I soon found myself somewhere else, staring into the open expanse of the world through the main gates that stood open, directly across from me. My eyes were blinded by the blood that surrounded me, my ears deaf from the cries of falling men, widowed women, fatherless children. I tripped with every step I took, over the bodies of my fellow countrymen. I felt a wave of sadness that threatened to take me down, I walked one more step only to fall, caught by gentle arms and awakened by an angelic voice.

I shook my head to find that everyone stood with their eyes on me, even Sesshomaru, who stood to my left, buried in the shadows of the porch on which he stood.

"Dear!... Are you alright?"

"No, Satoru." I attempted to stand on my own. I now stood straight, but Satoru did not let go of me. I met his eyes, that shimmered in the light of the fire. "How can you ask me that?" My voice barely a whisper. "Rin."

"Have I not been a good wife?"

I watched Sesshomaru stand from his leaning position against the pillar.

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"It has everything to do with it. If it weren't for me none of this would have happened."

He looked over my shoulder briefly, but I knew it was Sesshomaru's eyes that he met. He pulled me towards his horse, not that there was much point, everyone would still be able to hear us. Their attention was diverted to nothing other than us. Of course, when it came to chores, lessons, or even bath time their attention had to be everywhere but on us.

"We fell in love, Rin. It's not a crime."

"It might as well be for all that you have suffered."

"Lady Fujian." He turned me to the porch where all the children, with the exception of Itachirou and Naiera, stood. Looking at us with a smile that sent tears to my eyes. Satoru dropped his head next to mine, I shivered at the chills that followed his warm breaths brushing across my neck as they touched the cool crisp air. "You have given me nine beautiful children with kindest hearts, and souls so pure and beautiful that they could only come from the Lady of the North. A woman with the strength of ages, a will of steel, beauty that could make the Gods jealous. I could go on forever..." He turned me back to him. "But I will simply say thank you. You have given me an extraordinary life." "You talk as if you're never coming back." Itachirou tensed.

"I would never leave you, my dearest love."

Slowly his head dropped till his lips, gentle and soft melted into mine. This kiss was not one for the public, yet something about it seemed so void of passion, it was not a kiss that spoke of a reunion, but a farewell. It was a farewell that couldn't be possible. He was going to come back, he promised that he would come back. His words were clear as day and yet his actions spoke louder than those words. He pulled back, looking to my right, at Sesshomaru who watched us.

"Rin, I know I promised you that I would return." He rested his head against mine, pulling my hands over his heart. "If that gods will it some other way, promise me. Promise me, that you will not deny love. No matter how nonexistent or far down you believe it to be."

"Satoru." I tried to look at him, his hands moved to hold my face down.

"Promise me." He demanded.

"I... I..." I sighed. His gaze had wandered to Sesshomaru, and no doubt after what happened that morning there had been leave to believe that. Whatever that was it was not enough to pull me from my husband. No, I could not make that promise.

"Rin, please."

"I promise."

He smiled as he kissed my head. He turned towards the children, only to disappear not long after. He was surrounded by little children. He promised them all that he would return, he told them all he loved them and that he was proud of them for being strong. I could see him give small glances in every direction, as if searching for something, which I knew to be Naiera. We had not seen her since dinner after which she receded to her room. He came towards me and moved to mount his horse.

"Father!"

I saw movement, Naiera ran from the palace into Satoru whose arms were already open and closed in that same second that she made contact with him. A candle sent a small light across her face and I could see the dried tears that framed her face. I knew of all of them, this had to be the hardest on her. This week had been far to much on her soul, her entire past was called into question, and should something happen to Satoru, her future would not be that enticing either.

"I am going to miss you so much!"

"I am going to miss you." He put her down, rubbing the tears from her cheek.

"Why do you have to go?"

He set her her down, keeping a hold on the girl who seemed as she needed him to keep her up.

"This world is a dark place. I want everyone to have that light that can only come from peace and understanding."

"But why you?"

"Because I have it. You have given it to me. Your mother, your brothers and your sisters."

"Dad."

"Itachirou. I want you to stay, your sister and mother will need you far better than I. can I entrust that great task to you."

He bowed.

"Yes, my Lord."

Satoru turned back to Naiera.

"Never forget where you come from. Your have a heart that is truly pure, and that quality makes you special. Don't ever loose it."

"I got it from you."

She sunk back into his arms.

"No boys while I'm gone." His attempt at humor was overshadowed by the tears in his eyes.

"Dad." She tried to laugh.

"I mean it." He said looking seriously at her. "I'll know. I couldn't bear to lose you so soon."

"I don't want to lose you."

"No matter what happens to me. I will always be here." He pointed to her heart, then sighed. "You'll make a great wife one day, and an even greater demoness. It will be a sight to see."

"I love you dad."

"And I love you. Forever." He said placing a kiss on her head.

"Itachirou, thank you."

Itachirou stood unaffected by that statement, and with the exception of the nod, you would not think her heard it. I knew better. Itachirou accepted his gratitude within his hidden heart.

Satoru mounted his horse. I kissed my hand and reached for his his, the heat of his hands embracing my now frozen cold hand.

"I love you all. Sesshomaru." They nodded to each other. With one final glance at me, he rode off into the darkness, and the mystery of what lie beyond.

"Power of the Gods, please return him to me." I dried the tears from my eyes.

When he could no longer be seen by human or demonic eyes, or even heard from demonic ears, the children returned to the house. The horse Itachirou was preparing had been taken back to the stables. I could not be remorseful of the fact that Satoru had kept Itachirou behind, even though I knew that he was as skilled a soldier as Satoru. I was after all a mother, child or man, demon or human, he was still my son. Can a mother not help but worry about her child? Especially when they rode off to war.

Even still, we stood there. Itachirou, Naiera and I, watching the closing gates as if we expected him to return within a matter of seconds. It would be a reprieve that would never come. Naiera was broken, Itachirou stood strong behind us, there to catch us should we fall. I pulled my daughter into my arms, hoping to bring her the smallest amount of comfort. Satoru was gone, and we were left to the care of the Great Lord Sesshomaru of the Western Lands. Time would prove to be our greatest enemy. What fate would befall us in this dark place?