The Life After

6/17/07

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, Kikyo, or Urasue, 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.

Also all the quotes in Sesshoumaru's dream were from episode 162 directly. Those are NOT mine. But Sesshoumaru overhearing Jakken's and Rin's conversation is mine. . . but you can't prove me wrong! He could've been behind a tree! *nervous glances*

HOWEVER!!! Riki and Uki are MINE ALL MINE!!! *hugs them* And anyone who tries to steal them away will have Sesshoumaru's wrath upon them!!! XD

Author's Note: Sorry everyone. I know this one took me a reallll long time, but I wasn't really inspired to write until just watching Forever with Lord Sesshoumaru….which bring me to another disclaimer. I took a bunch of quotes from that episode 162 to use in Sesshoumaru's dream. Sorry about the amount of time, seriously. Who knows how long any of the new chapters will take me. This is probably my longest chapter since restarting…I hope this pleases those of you who were upset about Rin's death. Of course it won't be easy to bring her back, and maybe Sesshoumaru will decide not to revive her! O.o You'll just have to wait and see!! ^.^ I'll try to write another chapter soon, I even have a little sticky note of ideas rofl. Hope you all like this chapter! If you're getting annoyed with Riki and Uki's relationship then just don't read that part, or don't read it at all. It's my story, and what I say goes. lol. So if you don't like it, I don't have much pity for you. Sorry! But that's just the way it is.

Thanks: animegirl007 omg it has been a long time! Nice to see a familiar face! Don't be sad that Rin died, and be happy to know that you personally are responsible for Sesshoumaru's plan. See, I'd been about to just let Rin go and move on to my sweet Uki and Riki who I'm now obsessed with. . . but after hearing how sad her death made you and after rewatching episode 162: Forever with Lord Sesshoumaru…I was absolutely unable to believe that he would just let her go so easily! So be proud of yourself! You might be personally responsible for saving Rin! I'm not promising anything, though. You'll just have to wait and see if Sesshoumaru's plan actually works! But I will admit that I have the whole thing planned out. I'll try to write faster…but I'm just so busy and I'm actually sick right now lol so who knows how long it will be. If you want me to email you every time I get a chapter up just lemme know and gimme an address. Or if you don't want everyone to see your address, just email me at theshoelace_freak@yahoo.com and ask me to keep you updated on the new chapters!

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“Say, Master Jakken?”

“Yes.”

“After he defeats Naraku, then what do you think Lord Sesshoumaru is going to do?”

“You probably don't know about this, but Lord Sesshoumaru has long been in search of personal power. He will undoubtedly become the greatest demon of all time, and will reign over his own empire. When that happens, I will become the empire's chief minister.”

“Master Jakken?”

“Huh?”

“This empire of Lord Sesshoumaru's, what position do you think I might have in it?”

“Huh?! You mean you intend to follow us up until then?”

“WHY?! Is something wrong with that?!”

“Lord Sesshoumaru is strong, but who knows how long it will take to create the empire. To us demons 100 years is nothing at all! But to a human like you time is everything.”

“Huh?”

“By the time the lord's empire's created, you'll be LONG gone.”

“Unh? That won't happen. I won't die.”

It was then that Sesshoumaru had turned away. He had been returning to camp, upon hearing this conversation between his two wards, but the very thought of Rin dying had hit him so hard that he had nearly been afraid to reenter their presence. Afraid? That was such a foolish idea, that he could possibly be afraid, that he had quickly walked off to find something to kill.


Rin had been laughing brightly, even after spying the small tombstones. She had raced over gleefully and crouched down to run a finger gently across one of the stones, “Um, I was wondering, Lord Sesshoumaru.”

“What is it?”

“If…I died one day, I was wondering…would you…would you always remember me?”

A gasp, then, “Don't say such silly things.”


Sesshoumaru's eyes opened wide, sweat actually dripping over his face. Tears lined his eyes. That was…so very long ago, he wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand, Oh, Rin. How can I possibly go on without you? You can't really be gone, can you? There must be SOMETHING I can do…to save you.

“L-lord Sesshoumaru? Are you alright?”

The old demon turned to see the small frogish demon staring up at him. Ah-Un, also, was gazing worriedly at him. “Why do you ask?”

“You…you were crying in your sleep, m'lord,” Jakken quickly turned his face to the ground, as embarrassed as his lord.

Sesshoumaru's eyes shook for a moment, but he sighed, “Do not be foolish, Jakken. Of course I wasn't. Now get up, we must move on.”

“M'lord?!” Jakken stood up quickly, using his staff to do so, “Are you serious?! The moon has barely risen in the sky!”

“So?”

“B-but, m'lord, we are only going to see Inuyasha? Is there really any reason to rush?”

“Is my word not reason enough?” Sesshoumaru looked back over his shoulder, giving the small demon a piercing glare he had not used in years.

“But, of course, my lord! Far more than enough reason! Hurry up, Ah-Un!” Jakken tugged on the dragons' reigns, turning to realize that Sesshoumaru was disappearing into the distance, “Wait up, my lord! Wait for me!!!” he sighed miserably, “Oh…he's acting like he did when Rin was kidnapped or in danger. I wonder what could possibly be the matter. Isn't he supposed to be on vacation?” Ah-Un lowed softly, nodding his heads, and Jakken sighed again. With that the demons gave up and raced off after the mighty demon lord.


“Riki?”

“No.”

“Rikiiii?”

“No!”

“Rikiiiiiiiiiiiii?”

“Gah! Quit it, already!” Riki sat up in bed and glared at his friend.

“But, Riki, I just don't think-”

“No! You do think! And far too much, I might add! Now, just calm down, Uki, ok?? You'll be a fine demon lord. I promise! Just, please, NOW can we go to sleep? Please??” Riki begged miserably.

“But, Riki, it's SUCH a big responsibility. What if we mess up? What if we destroy Father's whole domain?” Ukiyomaru had been asking the older man the same questions since Sesshoumaru had left a few hours before dusk. Now the moon was sitting high in the sky, and all Riki wanted was to get some sleep.

“Uki, Uncle Sesshoumaru JUST left. We don't even have to do any lording til tomorrow. Just don't worry about it now. And, besides! I'll be there, right with you. We're not gonna ruin anything. I PROMISE!” he placed his hands firmly on Uki's shoulders, “Sleep, now? Pleaseeeeee?”

“But…” the younger hanyou saw the sleep that lined his cousin's eyes and suddenly realized just how long he'd kept the man awake. Perhaps it was time to heed Riki's advice, and just let it go, at least til the morning, “Alright, Riki. You're right, and I'm sorry. Sleep, now.”

“Thank you!” Riki let out a huge sigh, hugging Ukiyomaru tightly, before flopping back into the sheets, “And tomorrow morning, I promise, we'll be great lords. You'll see! G'night, Lord Uki.”

“Goodnight…Lord Riki,” brushing his silver bangs from his eyes, as always, he stared down at the already snoozing hanyou prince. With a miserable whimper, Uki lay down softly besides the stronger man. Several minutes passed, but the great dog demon lord's son could not fall asleep. Wearily he rolled to his side, so he could watch Riki's chest rising and falling in rhyme. How can you be so sure? How can you be so brave? I don't think there's been one time since I've met you, that you've actually been afraid. How do you do it?!

Suddenly, in his sleep, Riki stretched out his arm and unconsciously pulled Ukiyomaru against his chest. As a blush burned itself across his cheeks, Uki nearly stopped breathing in shock. What could Riki possibly be dreaming about? Probably just some pretty demon girl he'd come across. It was obvious that all the girls, human or demon, from the domain fawned over him. The poor flustered young hanyou wondered how it was that Riki couldn't feel his heart pounding, as it was nearly bursting from his chest.

“Don't worry, Uki.” This time he really did hold his breath. “We'll be great lords. You'll see. Just get some sleep,” Riki mumbled in his sleep, as it was clear that he was still lost in some strange dream. Ukiyomaru lay perfectly still for a good two minutes, before realizing that the older man wasn't going to say anything else.

Finally he allowed himself to let out the breath he'd been holding in. I've just kept him awake too long, that's all. I bugged him so much with all my worrying that, even in the middle of a dream about some pretty girl, he thinks he needs to comfort me. Uki halfheartedly tried to pull away from Riki's death grip on him. It wasn't that he was crushing the younger man; it was just that he wasn't about to let go for anything. Sheesh, must be some REALLY pretty girl, Uki laughed silently. With a final shrug, he gave up on escaping. Surely there were worse things than cuddling with the handsome hanyou all night. In fact, recently he'd had many a dream that involved a night in Riki's arms. Of course he kept shaking them off and telling himself he was insane, but somehow he knew it was deeper than insanity or hormones. Maybe he really was falling in love with Riki. That thought scared him even more than trying to rule his Father's domain wisely. By now Riki's scent had overpowered him, the strong but gentle smell that he couldn't quite tack a word on to. Before he realized it, the hanyou had drifted off to sleep in the sure embrace of the man he idolized.

“Don't worry, Uki. We'll be great lords. You'll see. Just stay here with me, and everything will be ok.”


“Inuyasha!!...Inuyasha!!!” The purified hanyou awoke to banging and the repeated yelling of his name.

“Hold up, I'm coming. Alright, already! Feh…,” Inuyasha managed to push himself out of his large and rather empty bed. He walked over to the door and shoved it open.

“Inuyasha! Quick!” Before he'd even realized what had happened, Sesshoumaru's hands were on his shoulders, and his older half brother was shaking him forcefully. “Inuyasha, you must tell me! Immediately! How can I possibly bring someone back to life a third time?!”

“Will you get off me?” Inuyasha pushed his brother's hands away from him, “And how should I know?! You're the one with the magical life saving sword. Ask Tenseiga, and lemme go back to sleep!” he turned and shuffled back towards his bed.

“Inuyasha, please!” Sesshoumaru had appeared between him and the soft mattress he so desired.

“Go away!”

“Please!” Sesshoumaru said again, and Inuyasha suddenly came fully awake. His brother was not one to beg. Surely this was something important.

“Alright, alright, just let me fix us some tea or something. Ok? There really isn't any BIG rush, right? So just have a seat by the fire and try to calm down,” Inuyasha rubbed one of his eyes with a fist, before pulling out one of Kagome's strange tea packets. He wasn't really fond of the stuff, but as Kagome had loved it and forced it on them everyday, somehow it had become a part of her. Now he just drank it so he could hold on to her a little longer. He knew what Sesshoumaru was going to ask him, and he already knew what he would have to answer…but it was not something he wanted to go into it. He lit the fire and began to boil the water. “So did you come all this way just to ask me that?” Inuyasha poked the fire with a small stick.

“Well…Ukiyo sent me. He said I needed to get away from the castle for a while and learn to live without Rin…but…the farther I get from the castle…the more I realize I can't possibly live without her,” the flames danced in Sesshoumaru's eyes, “Ukiyo thought that you could help me…since you lost Kagome, so you know what it's like.”

“I do, indeed, Sesshoumaru…and I was hoping it was something you would never ask me,” Inuyasha looked up to meet his brother's eyes, but Sesshoumaru refused to look away from the fire, “Sesshoumaru. I tried to bring Kagome back, too…but it wasn't worth it.”

“How can you say that?!” the dog demon lord stood up swiftly, looking ready to kill the hanyou, “If you loved her like I do Rin, how can you possibly say that?! I would give ANYTHING to bring Rin back! I would give my own soul!”

“Sesshoumaru, believe me! I sought out to bring her back, just like you are! I didn't think I could go on without her, and I even knew a way to bring her back! But, in the end, I realized that she just wouldn't have enjoyed such an existence. You have to understand! Rin won't really be alive! Sure she'll have her memories and even her personality, but the cost is just too great! Please, just sit down and let me tell you my story. About why I didn't bring Kagome back.”

Sesshoumaru stood there for a moment, just staring down at Inuyasha, but really there was no rush. It had already been a hundred years, another few minutes couldn't really make a huge difference. “Very well,” he returned to his seat on the floor, “Tell me your tale, little brother.”

Inuyasha poked at the fire a minute longer, before taking a deep breath, “When Kagome died…I was so very tempted just to call you to come bring her back to life. You never had saved her with the Tenseiga, so it would have been simple for you to save her…but you saw her, too. She was so old and fragile…I just didn't want her to have to live like that, you know? And that's when Kikyo traveled through my village…”

“Kikyo? That sounds…familiar.”

“She's the priestess who pinned me to Goshinboku with a sacred arrow. The one Naraku tricked into hating me.”

“Inuyasha…” When Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha had started to become friends while watching their sons together, Inuyasha had related the whole story that led up to the rise of Naraku. It was the one thing Sesshoumaru had never known about Naraku: why he was. It had shocked him to find how closely tied the evil demon had been to Inuyasha, and he had come to pity his younger brother for all the tragedy he had suffered.

“Seeing Kikyo again reminded me just what she was. She had died years and years before, but still she walked the earth. It was all because of Urasue. The old demon had brought her back to life using just her ashes, and some soil from her gravesite. The only other ingredient was a piece of Kagome's soul. The more I thought about it, the more I realized, that if I could just steal Kagome's soul back from Kikyo, I could easily revive her from the dead. Then she could live just as Kikyo had been, an eternal life where she would never age. I wouldn't have to live alone forever!”

The older dog demon's mind was racing. Surely he could come up with bones and soil from Rin's grave, but where would he possibly find her soul? Perhaps he could travel through the Bone Eater's Well, like Inuyasha could, and find her future reincarnation. It would be a lot of trouble, but it would be well worth it. Still, he knew that it was very unlikely that he could travel through time, as only Inuyasha and Kagome had ever been able to do so. If he could only find a way to collect her soul, then he could bring her back.

“Sesshoumaru? Are you still listening to me?!”

“Hm?” he looked up at the purified demon dazedly.

“It's not as simple as it sounds, Sesshoumaru! I know what you're thinking, but it's really not worth it!” Inuyasha was insistent on convincing his brother to let Rin's soul rest in peace.

“And just why not, Inuyasha? Some dirt and bones, and she'll be good as new! What could possibly make it not worth it?!”

Inuyasha sighed heavily, “All the souls. It's not worth all the souls. Rin was quite a lot like Kagome, and neither of them would ever agree to the cost.”

“What do you mean 'all the souls'? Surely it is only one soul you need?”

“At first, yes, only one soul…but to carry on the existence, the revived one must continuously take in more souls. Kikyo has soul collectors that are always bringing her the souls of the dead. If she is kept away from the collectors for too long, she will die. It is only the souls of others that keep her alive. Kagome would never agree to causing other souls to be kept forever from the afterlife. Kikyo is different; she doesn't care who she hurts anymore. She wasn't always like that, though. It is only with the revived one's death that the souls can carry on their journey. Surely your Rin would not agree to such a terrible existence, either?”

“But you said…you said that Kikyo only had part of her soul returned to her.”

“Yes. That is true. Kagome has the rest of her soul.”

“But what if…what if the revived one had their entire soul? Surely then they would not be incomplete or in need of more souls! Rin's soul is not shared with anyone! If I brought her back, then she would not need to steal the souls of others, and would live as we demons do! Forever and without the terrible annoyance of slowly losing vitality over time!” Inuyasha had handed Sesshoumaru the finally finished tea. The older demon sipped on it, excitedly. Unlike Inuyasha, he had always quite enjoyed tea.

“I suppose…,” Inuyasha drank some of his own tea, “I never really thought about that before…but still! What if Rin is happy in the afterlife? What if she has no desire to come back? Would you really want to rip her away from something that brings her joy, just to satisfy your own desires?”

Sesshoumaru pondered this, but was still rather determined to bring back his mate.

“It does not matter, anyway. Kagome would never agree to Kikyo's death. Even if it would bring her back, even though Kagome doesn't really like Kikyo, she would never agree to being the reason for my killing Kikyo. She always made me be kind to her when she passed through our village. Kagome said I owed her at least a little bit, since it was partially my fault Naraku tricked us. It is useless. Kagome is gone.”

“But Rin's soul is owned by no one, but herself! She is NOT Kagome! And surely I can bring her back!”

“It is useless, really. Urasue is dead…and even if she wasn't, she would never agree to helping anyone unless it benefited herself.”

The older demon sipped slowly on his tea, watching Inuyasha closely. Finally, he said in a voice barely above a whisper, “This Urasue? She died…only once?”

“Of course she only died once. Not many people die twice…,” suddenly Inuyasha realized what his brother was asking, “No, Sesshoumaru! You cannot bring Urasue back! She is evil! Who knows what trouble she will cause?!” But it was too late, Sesshoumaru's half empty cup lay on the floor, and a strong breeze was blowing through the open door. “What have I done?”

“Lord Sesshoumaruuuuuu…?” a tired voice whined, and Jakken suddenly came tumbling through the door.

“Jakken? What are you doing here?” Inuyasha helped the tiny demon to his feet.

“Lord Sesshoumaru…is on vacation. We came to visit you for a while. Master Ukiyomaru believed that you could help Sesshoumaru find happiness without Rin,” Jakken gasped between deep breaths.

“Well you can tell Ukiyomaru that he was wrong,” Inuyasha turned away angrily.

“Huh?” Jakken gazed up confusedly at the hanyou.

“I've only made things a hundred times worse. Sesshoumaru is off to try and revive Rin…though I've no idea how. He has no way of retrieving her soul, another reason why I gave up the idea of bringing back my Kagome. I know how he feels! I miss Kagome terribly, but it is useless to bring her back. I tried to tell him!” Inuyasha whirled around to face Jakken again, “But he wouldn't listen! And now he's off on some crazy journey to bring back an evil demon and save Rin!”

“Oh no! This is terrible, Inuyasha! You must go after him!”

“And what can I do? Do you really think I can stop the great Lord Sesshoumaru? Feh. Let him make his own mistakes. I will have nothing more to do with this,” the purified demon sat back by the fire with his own cup of tea. Jakken sighed and began to leave. “But please…when you see Riki…tell him to visit when he gets the chance? It's very hard to live without Kagome AND Riki.”

“Of course, Inuyasha. I will let him know.”

“Thank you, Jakken. Good luck finding my stubborn brother.”

“And luck I certainly need,” the smaller demon raced out the door and hopped onto Ah-Un, explaining the situation even as the dragon took off into the air.