The Life After

7/2/06

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or the characters of Inuyasha. I do not own Naraku, Inutaisho, Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru, Jakken, Rin, or Ah-Un. I also do not own Ayame, the Elder, or Kouga. Nor do I own the lunar rainbow promise. I do not own Kagome, Sango, Miroku, Kirara, or Shippo. I do not own Kohaku, Hachi, Kaede, or Kikyo or ANY of the characters or happenings from Inuyasha. Rumiko Takahashi is the wonderful creator and owner of said characters, manga, and show. I do not make money off of her characters or this story. Anything that is not owned by her is still owned by the people who own the Inuyasha show and movies. I give them credit for their work as well. I do not make money off of their ideas or episodes. This Disclaimer applies to this and all following chapters.

Author's Note: I'm soooo proud of Uki and Riki! They KICK ASS in this chapter! But, I don't wanna ruin anything so I won't say anymore. If anyone has any ideas where I should go with this next, I'd really appreciate the help...I'm at a loss. Complete writer's block. lol. This is probably one of my longest chapters, dunno whether I should appologize about that or be happy. lol.

Thanks: Thanks to destiney. I'm sorry I didn't get your last review, but thanks so much for reviewing this time! I try to get a chapter writen a day. Although, sometimes I get sidetracked. Thanks to animegirl007, but I must argue immensely! Do you remember in Chapter 14, I think it was, when Ayame told Inuyasha that Kouga found out that Sesshoumaru had searched the Southern Lands for Rin? She also mentioned that he had tried to go to Sesshoumaru, but it was impossibly to enter the Western Lands, because it was overrun with demons. Wondering why Inuyasha and the others didn't go help him? Well, for one, Inuyasha doesn't really approve of helping his half brother. Not to mention they were kind of busy with Rin's whole giving birth thing. And now Kouga and Ayame kind of have their own Northern Lands to take care of. Rin doesn't think he's looked for her at all, so of course she hasn't wondered about his absence. Although I will admit you helped me remember the northern panther tribe's treaty with Sesshoumaru. But it's ok; Shen's unfortunately planned this out quite well. He's going to wear Sesshoumaru down no matter what. Kouga hasn't seen hide nor hair of Shen, so he's pretty much forgotten about the wolf. Probably didn't even mention it to Ayame, since he was so glad to be back home with her. So, yeah. I hope that answers your question about why no one notices the problems in the Western Lands. Besides, most of the different lands keep to themselves, why would they want to get themselves involved in some terrible war? Music for the masses, my deepest apologies, but it says email hidden. However, here is my email: theshoelace_freak@yahoo.com so email me there (make sure to include the fact that you are music for the masses) and I will be sure to email you next time I update! ^.^ In fact, any of my faithful reviewers, feel free to email me! Just be sure to include your names, so I know who I'm talking to. lol. And yes Shen needs to get what's coming to him, but at least Kouga kicked his ass a bit. I still think that only Sesshoumaru has any right to dispose of Shen. It just wouldn't be fair if Kouga or Inuyasha did it. Thanks so VERY VERY much to Sorceressofthenight. You've reviewed to pretty much every chapter I've posted! I REALLY appreciate it! Feel free to email me any time! *points upwards to email address* Yeah Sesshoumaru does need to ask Inuyasha for help, but I don't think he will. He's just too proud. Besides, Shen's gonna have to run out of demon helpers eventually! Poor Lord Sesshoumaru! He is soooo tired and worn out. He's probably not thinking clearly anymore. v-.-v I'm so excited! Finally Sesshoumaru will find out about Uki. I can't wait to write about his reaction (not that I'm really sure what it is yet)…but those kids! Riki and Ukiyomaru…they're getting pretty powerful. I'm so proud of the little demons! I can't help but wish I could play with Uki and Riki! They're so adorable!!!! Sorry, I'm obsessed with them. *hugs* Thanks again for reviewing so faithfully. Thanks to ALL my reviewers. Because of all the recent reviews, I tried to finish this chapter a.s.a.p. Hope you like it. ENJOY!

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Shen rubbed his aching neck, signing the finishing touches to the last of his scroll. He had done his research, and an injury was no reason to mess up his plans. Even if he did feel like his entire backbone was broken. He was angry that he still hadn't healed after all this time. How could the wolf prince have injured him so badly? Still the wolf demon knew perfectly well that Sesshoumaru and the leader of the northern panther demon tribe exchanged scrolls once a week. It was easy enough to intercept the incoming letters; he just had to make sure that he sent one back. He wouldn't want any lousy panthers ruining his fun. Most of the lands kept to themselves, so, except for this newfound ally, no one traveled their way. It was easy enough to completely devastate his land without attracting attention. He turned his head to the rising sun. It was the dawn of the end of Rin's third full year away from the castle.


Riki raced through the trees, his hair blowing freely. He had just turned six the day before, and he was bursting to try out his new bow and arrows. The two-year-old Ukiyomaru tripped through the forest behind him. “Wait up, Riki!” the half-demon called helplessly. His moon glowed brightly as his bangs were whipped aside. He had a white kimono top like Riki, but his had long flowing sleeves. He wore a navy hakama that was tied up with an equally dark blue bow. His feet, like Riki's, were bare. He pumped his arms trying to catch up to the older boy who he idolized. Suddenly, without even realizing it, a cloud began to form at the dog demon prince's feet. Before he knew it, he was lifted into the air and was floating along side his friend.

Riki looked over at the sudden demonic aura he detected beside him, “Hey, Uki! Looks like you found a new trick! That's pretty neat. Think you can keep up now?” He hadn't faltered an inch in his pace.

“Uh huh,” Ukiyomaru nodded, floating easily beside his cousin. The two boys raced through the woods, Ukiyomaru pulling slightly ahead of Riki. The prince looked back laughing, it was the first time he had ever beaten his cousin. Just as things were looking up, the dog demon floated straight into a large object. The cloud disappeared as he was sent hurtling backwards. His silver head hit a tree, and he whimpered, rubbing his head. He looked up slowly to find a giant lizard demon standing over him.

“Big mistake, Kid. You're dead meat.” Ukiyomaru whimpered, he hadn't figured out any of his powers yet. He was just a little kid. There was no way he could take on this huge demon.

“Iron Reaver Soul Stealer!!!” bright yellow flashes cut into the bigger demon's skin. Riki landed gently in front of the younger boy, his fists up protectively. “Pick on somebody your own size, lizard breath!”

The little boy rubbed his eyes looking up at Riki; the rising sun seemed to illuminate him. Riki had found just recently that he had every single one of both of his parents' powers. He had made a promise to Ukiyomaru, and he would protect him.

His attack was nowhere near as strong as Inuyasha's, but it had made its mark. There was a gaping wound where the lizard's right eye had once been. “You little punk!” it hissed, “You'll pay for that!” The lizard lumbered awkwardly towards them, it's four arms swinging wildly.

Riki swiftly pulled an arrow from his back, and strung his miniature bow with it. He aimed carefully and infused it with his priest powers. The arrow glowed pink, and he let it fly. The demon seemed to dematerialize in pink sparkles as the arrow hit it dead on. “Hmph,” Riki sniffed, sounding a lot like his father, “Too easy.” He turned to Ukiyomaru and helped him up, “You ok, Uki?”

“I'm alright. Thanks! That was awesome!” his eyes were wide above the pink stripes on his cheeks, “You're amazing, Riki!”

“Feh,” he returned the bow to his shoulder, “That was nothing! You wanna go throw rocks and see if I can hit 'em with my arrows?!”

“Cool! Let's do it!” The two boys took off, one jumping great distances, and the other floating on a cloud.


Rin was walking by the edge of the forest. She had gone to find a sakura tree. Now she returned with a handful of blossoms. It was the start of her fourth year away from the lord. She had done this at the start of every year. The human walked silently over to the river that ran through the woods. She knelt beside it and began to hum the song from her dream so many years ago. She laid the blossoms on her lap, all but one. The one she cupped in her hands. Slowly she lowered her hands into the river until the flower floated safely between her fingers. Suddenly she plunged her hands into the river, and it floated away with the current. She continued this with one flower at a time. She would do it until they were all gone. Rin wondered in her heart if they could possibly find their way to the lord. Still she knew that was too much to hope.


Riki and Ukiyomaru had finally finished playing around with their powers. They were running back through the woods towards town. Suddenly Riki stopped, his ears twitching. He held out a hand to stop Ukiyomaru. Holding a finger to his lips, he motioned to a tree. They ducked behind it, and saw a tall man in a deep red kimono. His long hair swept at his knees in matted waves. He let out a moan, nearly falling over. His armor looked worn and broken in many places. “Who is that?” Riki whispered, but Ukiyomaru gasped and pointed at his own forehead. Riki looked at Ukiyomaru like he was crazy, but then turned and gasped himself. The man had a crescent moon on his forehead, and two pink stripes set high on his cheeks.


Sesshoumaru was tired. He couldn't ever remember being that tired. He had carried poor Jakken to the castle. The frogish demon would probably sleep for the entire week, if not the whole month. He had gone to every village in his domain, dismissing the demons and apologizing to the humans. He had promised everyone wealth and a million other things. They didn't mind, he had fought harder than anyone. As tired as they were; he was worse. They had thanked him for protecting them for so long, and now they sent him on his way. He had fought for two and a half years, without a single pause. Finally the constant flow of demons had stopped. If only he had called upon Inuyasha at the beginning. If only he hadn't waited until it was too late, and there were too many demons to have time for anything. If only it weren't for his stupid pride. He felt like he'd thought about all this before, but he seemed to repeat his thoughts a lot lately. He felt like he'd thought about all this before, but he seemed to repeat his thoughts a lot lately. He shook his head, trying to clear the stupid repetitiveness, but almost fell over in the attempt. He was in Inuyasha's lands now. He hadn't wasted a moment. The second he had spoken to all his subjects, he had taken off. Ah-Un, too, had been fighting, and he would not ask the tired creature for a ride. He had walked the entire way, too tired even to float or materialize. What was that noise? Had he just seen two small figures jump behind a tree? Ugh, but why did his head hurt so much? Why was he so damn tired? It didn't matter. He would find Rin.


In the Western Lands, Shen howled his head off. Sesshoumaru was nowhere to be found. If he didn't strike then, there was no possible way he could win. All of this would not be in vain. He would find Sesshoumaru no matter what.


Rin held the final sakura blossom in her hands. She sighed deeply. Part of her wanted to tie it in her hair, like the one the lord had given her so very long ago. Though it was better not to hold on to the lord. He would never come for her now. It was hopeless.

Rubbing his eyes, Sesshoumaru looked over at the small river. He wasn't sure if he was just delusional, or if he was really seeing her. Either way, he needed to try. He stumbled up behind the girl kneeling by the river.

Just as Rin leaned to put the flower in the water, she felt someone come up behind her. A large form fell to its knees and a voice whispered, “My Rin…”

She whirled around to find a very miserable looking Sesshoumaru behind her. “My lord!” she breathed, without even realizing it.

“Why do you look so sad, Rin? Is this a dream? Why do you float the flowers away? They look so much prettier,” here he took the flower gently from her, and wove it to her hair tie, “in your hair.” His arms fell limply to his side when he was finished, and he collapsed forwards.

The human caught him in her arms, clinging to him. “What has happened to you, my lord?! Are you alright?! Who has done this to you?”

“I tried so hard,” he coughed, “I tried so hard to find you, but then…the demons. Thousands of them. I couldn't…I had to…we fought for years. The lands were overrun. I'm sooo tired,” he sighed, “Have I really found you at last?”

“You looked for me, my lord?”

“Everywhere. Not everywhere enough, obviously. But I searched the west and the south completely. I was headed here, but the demons. I had to protect our lands,” he lifted his hand slowly, managing to lay it on hers, “I was wrong, Rin. I should never have spoken to you like that, and I am sooo sorry. I love you.”

“You're tired, my lord; you shouldn't speak so much.”

“No. I must say these things, my Rin,” he reached shakily into his kimono with his free hand, pulling out another sakura blossom. He held it up to her, “I saved this, it…” He looked at it and moaned. It was dried, broken, and covered in blood, “I'm sorry. I kept it with me for so long.”

“You kept the flower?!” her eyes were wide.

“I wanted to return it to you. I've missed you so much.”

“Oh, Sesshoumaru! I missed you, too! I LOVE YOU!” Rin bent and kissed his chapped lips. When she pulled away, he was smiling slightly.

“You called me Sesshoumaru again.”

“You are Sesshoumaru. MY Sesshoumaru.”

Ukiyomaru couldn't stand it anymore. Clearly here was the father he had heard so many stories of. He had been longing to meet him, and he would not hide behind trees any longer. He tripped out of the cover of trees towards the river. Sesshoumaru looked up, hearing the feet padding towards them. Before he had even registered the boy, Ukiyomaru's arms were around him, and the child whispered into his kimono, “Daddy!”

“Daddy?” he looked up at Rin.

“This is your son, Sesshoumaru. His name is Ukiyomaru. He is a half demon. Will you turn him away?” she said softly. This was the true test. If he could not accept their son, then she would not forgive him.

He looked down at the child, and slowly wrapped an arm around him. “Ukiyo?” the boy looked up a little surprised, as no one had ever called him that before. “Ukiyo,” Sesshoumaru said again, “tell me. Are you strong and wise?”

“Not much, Father, but I am learning…Riki is teaching me!”

“Riki?”

Ukiyomaru turned and pointed towards the forest. Riki had leaned out from behind the tree, but quickly ducked back.

“Riki. Come here, boy,” Sesshoumaru motioned at him.

Riki slunk out of the trees and shuffled over to the wounded taiyokai. “Hello, Uncle Sesshoumaru,” he mumbled.

“You are…Inuyasha and the mortal's son?”

Riki looked up at him with confusion in his small yellow eyes.

“Kagome,” Rin helped.

“Sorry. Inuyasha and Kagome's son?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“You have helped my son? Taken care of him?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“My deepest thanks, Riki.”

Riki's eyes widened, and he threw his arms around his uncle, too. He had not heard as many things about this great demon as Ukiyomaru had, but he knew that gratitude from him was not to be taken lightly.

Sesshoumaru smiled as the boy released him. He had not seen such unconditional love since his Rin had been a child. He looked back up at her, his head still in her arms, “I love you.”

“I love you, Sesshoumaru.”

“Ewww.” Riki and Ukiyomaru laughed.

“Why don't you boys go play?” Sesshoumaru said, not taking his eyes off his mate.

“Ok!” They took off running towards the forests, laughing and joking the entire way.

Clapping hands caused Rin to turn. “How sweet. It's far too bad that you must die now.”

“Shen.” Sesshoumaru didn't even have to try to see the wolf; it was a voice he knew well. Slowly he pulled himself to his feet.

“Sesshoumaru, no! You can't! You're too tired!” Rin pleaded.

“That is clearly his plan. He could never take me on at full strength. Even if I flee; he will fight me. I, Lord Sesshoumaru, will not flee.”

“That's terribly brave of you, my LORD,” Shen hissed, still clapping as he walked out of the cover of the trees, “It's also terribly stupid. I will kill you, and take my rightful place as Elder.”

“Kouga is to be the Elder,” Rin snarled.

“That is why, as soon as I am finished here, I will send my demons to the north.”

“Demons?! YOU! You are the one who has ravaged my domain for so many years!” Sesshoumaru was furious, his eyes glowing red, “How dare you?! I will kill you and avenge my village! Besides, do you think killing me and sending demons will be enough to make you Elder? They will see through your plan.”

“No. He is right.”

“Rin?” Sesshoumaru gaped at her.

“Tuu-Yen told me the ways of the wolves. If in any situation the current Elder is unable to protect the pack, and some younger male does the job for him; then the new male immediately takes over as Elder,” Rin hung her head.

“You cheater!” the taiyokai hissed.

“They will have to let me lead, when I am the only one who can PERSUADE the demons to stop attacking,” Shen smirked.

“That is because you are the one who SENT THEM!” the dog demon growled.

“And it won't hurt at all, to bring them your head with the promise of the Western Lands.”

“I'll kill you!” but his words were lost as he fell to his knees, too weak to stand.

“Sesshoumaru!” Rin clung to him, “You cannot fight him! Please, we have to get Inuyasha. He will help!”

“We will never make it. He will kill us far before then,” Sesshoumaru panted against her shoulder.

“Quite right. In fact, I think I'll kill you now,” Shen raised a hand into the air, ready to strike the two. Suddenly an arrow shot out of the forest and cut through his hand. The wolf screamed in anguish as his hand dematerialized. He clutched at his empty wrist.

“Riki! Ukiyomaru! Run to the village! You must get Inuyasha!” Rin called at the boys.

Ukiyomaru appeared in front of her, his powers coming easily to him. With his father so near, and his family in danger, he suddenly knew all of the things he was capable of. “No, Mother! We will not leave you to die!”

Riki jumped over to Ukiyomaru's side, “I'm with Uki! We'll protect you. Trust us!”

“He'll kill you! You must run, boys!” Rin begged, her nails digging into Sesshoumaru's clothes. Sesshoumaru said nothing, only watched the boys.

“Leave it to us, Aunt Rin!” Riki cried, and the two jumped towards Shen.

“Do you brats think you can defeat me?! You won't get away with this,” the wolf held up his missing hand, which was bleeding quite badly.

“Go ahead and try,” Riki hissed, “Iron Reaver Soul Stealer!”

Shen managed to dodge the yellow flashes, but Ukiyomaru suddenly appeared next to him and ripped through his side with glowing green claws. Shen cried out as the poison entered his veins. He punched at the small boy, sending him skidding backwards. Riki was already on top of him, digging his fangs into the man's shoulder. Shen growled, digging his own claws into Riki and throwing him towards Ukiyomaru, who dodged out of the way. The younger boy whirled around, a green whip of light spinning around him and smacking Shen countless times. As Shen staggered, Ukiyomaru raced to his friend's side.

“Riki!” Ukiyomaru helped up his friend,” Are you ok?”

“Couldn't be better!” Riki looked at the blood dripping from his shoulder, “I've been dying to try this out,” he dug his claws into his own wound, then flung his hand towards Shen, “Blades of Blood!” The red flashes ripped through Shen, who fell to his knees. Suddenly the wolf's head perked up, and he flew towards the children. Punching and kicking at every inch of them, they didn't have time to think of a counterattack. The dog demons went flying in opposite directions, covered in bruises and blood.

Shen whirled to face the Lord and Lady. “Enough playing. I'll kill you now,” he struck Rin with his only hand, “and it will be painful.”

Ukiyomaru managed to lift his throbbing head to see Shen make contact with his mother's face. His eyes glowed red, and a strange wind picked up around him.

“How very interesting. This is not Ukiyo's true form,” Sesshoumaru had been about to use his last reserves of strength to punish Shen for touching his mate. However his eyes had landed on Ukiyomaru, who was growing quickly in size. Rin looked at her mate questioningly, but turned her eyes to her son. Even Shen was forced to look at the source of the wind.

Ukiyomaru planted four dog feet on the ground, growling fiercely. Poison saliva dripped from his fangs, and he was covered in white/silver fur. He had become the same kind of dog that Sesshoumaru could. He was nowhere near as big as his father, but he was still far bigger than Shen. Riki looked up at his friend admiringly, “Wow,” was all he could think to say. Ukiyomaru nodded his head towards his back. Riki looked confused, then said, “Oh. That's right. Dad said Uncle Sesshoumaru dripped poison in his dog form. It's probably not too safe down here.” Riki bounded up onto Ukiyomaru's back. The dog turned and smacked Shen powerfully away from his parents. Shen moaned, pushing himself up, only to find a huge dog paw pinning him to a tree.

“What are you gonna do? Slobber me to death?” Shen smirked. The dog seemed to smile for a moment, then lowered his head. Shen laughed, “Ha! Even your son bows to me, Canine!” His smirk disappeared as Riki rose up behind Ukiyomaru's lowered head. A glowing pink arrow was pointed straight at Shen's face.

“Don't you touch our family, bastard!!!” Riki let the arrow fly. Shen screamed miserably as it sunk into his forehead. His entire body seemed to be enflamed with pink, then he shattered into a thousand sparkles. The arrow vanished with him. Ukiyomaru padded backwards and slowly turned into his more human form. Riki slid off of his friend's changing form, landing on his butt in the dirt.

“Good shot, Riki,” Ukiyomaru shook his head, wiping the last of the poison from his lips.

“Good plan, Uki,” Riki countered, standing up and raising his hand.

Ukiyomaru turned and clasped his friend's hand. They smiled, then released each other's fingers. Ukiyomaru walked over to his father and kneeled at his feet. His face was turned to the ground, and he whispered, “I know I'm not as strong as you, Father.”

Riki followed his cousin's lead, and knelt as well, “Nor am I.”

“But…did we do ok?” Ukiyomaru looked up into his father's weary eyes.

“I am very proud of you. Both of you.” Riki looked up as well. “You saved our lives. You will be very strong…but know this! Your strength comes from your friendship. Do not lose that.”

“Yes, Sir,” Riki laughed.

“Thanks, Dad,” Ukiyomaru's eyes shook. Then the two boys turned to each other, discussing the battle with exaggerative sound effects.

“Those boys will be stronger than any of us,” Sesshoumaru shook his head, then looked up at his mate who was still clinging to him. “Rin?” Her jaw was dropped, and he wasn't entirely sure she was breathing. “Rin?!”

“I….I…..I……AAAH! Sesshoumaru! Our son and nephew almost died!” she smacked him upside the head.

“They did no such thing,” he whimpered, as if his head hadn't hurt enough already, “They fought wonderfully and saved our lives. Be proud of them.”

“You should've done something!” she growled.

“I can't move, my love. Doing something…was not really an option.”

“But!?” Rin sighed, “You're right. I'm sorry. I was just scared for them.”

“I was too. My son and nephew put themselves in terrible danger. But they were right; it's good they didn't go for help. We probably would have died. Be proud of them…instead of upset with me,” he rubbed his head.

“Sorry,” she laughed weakly, “I am proud of them, though. I always have been.”

“He will make a great lord of the Western Lands. Perhaps I will have to let them rule together,” Sesshoumaru shook his head, trying to stand up. It was pointless.

“Boys!” Rin called, and the two looked at her, “Watch over Sesshoumaru, would you? I'm going back to the village. Kagome has some wonderful medicines that will help you, and I'm sure Inuyasha can carry you back.” With that she was racing off through the trees.

“Yes, Mom!”

“Yes, Aunt Rin!”

“No! Wait! Don't tell Inuyasha! I'll never live this downnnn!!!” Sesshoumaru howled after her.

“Now, sit still, Dad. Mom told us not to let you move,” Ukiyomaru shook his finger.

“Yes, Uncle Sesshoumaru, you stay right there,” Riki placed his hands on his hips.

Sesshoumaru looked at them for a moment, and then moaned, falling backwards into the dirt. Riki and Ukiyomaru laughed gleefully, falling on top of him. He grunted, but laughed along with them. Already he loved them. As tired and injured as he was, he couldn't have been happier; he was home.