EPLOG

"In the end, it is not the years in your life that matters

But the life in your years"

Abraham Lincoln

Humans are analog by nature. Time is measured in seconds, minutes, hours, Years. But what of the creatures who are seemingly exempt from this process?

Demons do not measure time as humans do.

They never have had the need to.

While many would make the boast of 'immortality', those among them who were older and wiser knew better. They knew that just like humans, they too had an allotment of time on this plane of existence. Most simply chose to ignore the fact, and continue on.

Sesshomaru fell into this group… once.

With Rin gone, Sesshomaru could only count the days … weeks … years until his inevitable downfall would finally take place. Soon Koji would be reincarnated. Soon his memories would return to him. Soon, He would return and claim Rin. And there really wasn't a damned thing that he could do about it.

Many changes would come about in the demon world before that claim would be made. Rin would be made a member of the royal house. She would soon find herself the new human ambassador to both the human and demon houses of power and merit.

Under her guidance, and Lord Dotsu's wisdom, the house of the south would slowly become the reigning power across the land. Soon, none would defy them. No one would even want to. Sesshomaru would be left helpless to watch his lands and people slowly become much less than his father would have ever wanted. Allegiances would slowly crumble and eventually fade as old enemies would eventually succumb to the power of the southern lands. It would be discovered much later that the west was 'spared' any unnecessary contact as a courtesy to Rin.

The decline of the west began with Sesshomaru's return to his palace.

Sesshomaru walked unashamed through the main gates. His wounds still bleeding from his battle with Rin.

Jaken would be the first to dare to greet him, and even he knew to keep his words brief. The little toad would fall to his knees as was his normal habit. He would then draw breath about to speak, before a barked order signaled the beginning and ending of any conversation.

"Send for my mother. I will see here in my private gardens."

Jaken knew better than to comment.

Lady Midori would come to the gardens to find her son, still bloody, sitting under a sakura tree. He did not so much as look at her.

"Find me a fitting demoness. We will be married by the next new moon. I do not care who you choose, I do not care what she looks like."

Midori also knew better than to speak. She would offer a dutiful bow before leaving in silence. In the end, she was to have her wish. There would be no hanyou children in the house of the west.

But, this "victory" would come at a high price. No truly reputable demoness would now have anything to do with her son now. After all, how strong could The great Lord Sesshomaru possibly be if a mere human female could cast him aside so effortlessly?

Midori would be forced to choose a demoness from a much lower standing than she would have cared for. One who would recognize her elevation in status well enough to be grateful, respectful, and quiet.

Sesshomaru would soon wed Ari of the Eastern Lands.

The wedding would be done quietly. In fact, for a long time, few would believe that Sesshomaru had a mate at all.

Ari's lineage, while lower than his, was at least pure, and her parents knew better than to be boastful. This union was done merely to save face. And while Sesshomaru would learn to care about his mate over time, Ari would always be reminded that she was chosen merely as the 'runner up' prize for a game gone horribly wrong.

On their wedding night, the night that Sesshomaru's only son had been conceived, he'd gotten drunk, and called his new mate 'Rin' through out their love making.

Ari knew better than to complain.

Sesshomaru would send word to Lady Atzuki, letting her know that her new house would be left alone, and that she had no need to worry about him ever coming to claim it or the life of her son. He would congratulate her, and wish her well.

Atzuki would take the letter sent, and toss it into the nearest fire pit. She would remain in the forest for the duration of her pregnancy.

Once Koru had been born (Atzuki felt that a name change was appropriate), she would return to her sister's palace, where her son would be educated and trained in the arts of warfare as his father had before him. Many more years would pass before Koru and Rin would meet once more.

Koru would be reintroduced to Rin on the evening of Lord Dotsu's finally handing the affairs of his kingdom to his daughter and her mate. Dotsu was 'old' by demonic standards by this time, and his only true desire was to sit back and enjoy his grandchildren. It was time to pass the torch.

In an entire banquet room filled with people, only Dotsu and Atzuki became aware of when Koru's memories returned.

Rin would be busily seeing to the needs of the many lords and ladies in the room, while Koru would be sitting among the warriors of high rank. Rin would be refilling Koru's sake cup when their eyes would meet, and the sparks would fly! The rest of their lives together would be told many times over as the sweetest of love stories.

Sesshomaru would not see Rin again, until after Lord Dotsu's death. There was no assassination attempt, no war wound unattended, Dotsu simply was tired and ready to rest. He had succeeded in all he wished to do. His daughter was mated to a good man, his kingdom was strong and flourishing, and his household was content and happy. Now, it was time to go, and let the new generation take over completely.

The old dog lord decided to quietly take his own life. Lady Uri was content with his decision, and decided that she would follow her beloved mate. The loving couple who lived, worked, and fought together, would remain together in death.

Letters of farewell had been written, and only a select few knew of the couple's intent. Lord Dotsu and Lady Uri would be found the next morning wrapped in each other's arms smiling contentedly sleeping that 'final' sleep. And while it did cause some grief and pain to both Tsune and Hiroshi, they ultimately understood the actions of their former sovereign parents, and give them a funeral that would be talked about for centuries!

Dignitaries from all the surrounding lands would come to pay their final respects to the deceased royal couple. The house of the west also was in attendance at the funeral.

Only a few remembered the events of the last time when Rin and Sesshomaru had shared the same immediate space. And while no one was immediately concerned, even Sesshomaru was not oblivious to the heightened security that was around Rin.

Gifts of condolence were offered, and many beautiful speeches were made about the former lord of the south and his mate. The day was long, but still very pleasant. It was not until early evening, after the majority of the guests had gone, that Sesshomaru had requested a private audience with the human ambassador of the south.

None were thrilled with the request, especially Koru.

Rin was indeed 'dead' when he and Sesshomaru had made their promises to her, but Koru was certain that Sesshomaru might be up to some sort of treachery.

It took only a gentle touch to his cheek by his beloved mate for him to calm down and allow the visitation. Rin did not seem to be concerned, and that seemed good enough. After all, if Sesshomaru were to try anything, he and his now pitiful household would be obliterated in short order.

It was agreed that the couple should meet in one of the more secluded gardens (Koru and a band of his best soldiers would not be far away - just in case).

Sesshomaru was lead to the gardens by servants, and asked to wait.

Sesshomaru gave himself a sarcastic snort. If one were to take into consideration all the time that passed before this moment could be made possible, the thought of waiting a few mere moments longer could only be viewed as a joke.

Sesshomaru had been quietly taking in the fragrances of a sakura in bloom, when he caught Rin's scent. Gods! If ever one could consider a scent as a beautiful thing, Rin's scent had to be that!

After all these years, she still smelled of earth and flowers. Aged femininity had only served to enrich that wondrous fragrance.

Sesshomaru suddenly found himself afraid to turn and face his once love. Surly after all of this time, age must have altered her appearance to some degree. He may not care to see the end result.

His fears were immediately abolished once he'd heard her soft lilting voice. Sesshomaru turned slowly only to be greeted with the beauty and blinding smile that he had come to know and love. Rin seemed not to have aged a bit. Still perfect. All that really gave indication to any aging, was the very slight change of her scent. Now Rin smelled like a woman.

Koji's youkai did indeed protect and preserve her.

"Thank you for coming Lord Sesshomaru."

Rin closed the distance between them with what could only be described as a 'youkai' type of elegance. Sesshomaru would have sworn that he did not even see her feet move.

Rin bowed respectfully, then surprised Sesshomaru when she slowly took his clawed hands in hers. It took every ounce of control at Sesshomaru's disposal not to pull those hands to his face and hold them there. The silence between them was comfortable and might have gone uninterrupted were it not for the squeals and cries of children near by.

Rin's head snapped in the general direction of the noise, only to be rewarded with the sight of two hanyou children bolting through the shrubbery. Rin released her hold of Sesshomaru, and clapped her hands merrily.

"And what are you two pups up to ne?" She said only half scolding.

Both children stopped dead in their tracks. Once then had they realized that they had inadvertently interrupted 'grown up' talk. The pair straightened their posture, and dutifully approached their mother. They bowed in unison, the elder child speaking for both.

"We're sorry for interrupting you mother."

Rin then knelt down and extended her arms to her children who cuddled into her embrace without hesitation.

"You are forgiven, but please consult with your father before you go romping about any more today."

Both children affectionately licked their mother's cheeks.

"Yes momma." they chorused.

Rin then stood and took both pups by the hand and turned to Sesshomaru.

"I do believe that proper introductions are in order."

Rin quirked her eyebrow at her children.

"Seeing as how you have now made yourselves the topic of conversation."

Both children dropped their heads in shame before a gentle squeeze from their mother's hand silently told them both that they were forgiven. Rin then lovingly pulled the pair to stand before her.

"To my left stands my son Soten. And to my right, my daughter Aya. This is Lord Sesshomaru children. He is an old… friend."

Soten was clearly the oldest. He took an almost protective stance in front of his mother and sister and bowed deeply.

"It is an honor to meet you Lord."

Soten's much younger sister merely took her brother's hand and giggled when she bowed. Soten gave his sibling an annoyed growl before pulling her close.

"Please forgive her. She is young and still learning her manners."

Sesshomaru could not help but grant the smallest of smiles.

"It is good that she has such a loving brother to teach her then."

Soten's chest puffed up with pride as he bent down to gather his little sister up into his arms. He then looked to his mother for permission to leave. Rin smiled amiably.

"I know that she can be a hand full, but please keep your sister entertained for just a bit longer. Your father has promised that we can have our evening meal out of doors after everyone has gone."

Soten's eyes twinkled with anticipation.

"By your command mother." he said in his most 'formal' voice before turning away from the pair. By now Aya had cuddled into the crook of her brother's shoulder. She peeked up briefly, and waved at Sesshomaru as her brother carried her off. To her Sesshomaru gave a genuine smile and nod.

Rin gave a small chuckle at the sight of Sesshomaru's smile.

"You've changed. I remember years passing before I could get you to even smirk at me!"

Sesshomaru could not help but give a small chuckle in turn. He turned smiling eyes to face Rin.

"You always made me smile. I simply chose not to let you see it!"

Rin laughed openly, but just as quickly, she seemed to become sad. She turned to find a small bench near by, and went to sit down.

"They should have been yours you know." she said softly.

Sesshomaru froze where he stood. It never occurred to him that he may have occupied Rin's thoughts in the slightest after so much time had passed. Slowly, he turned to where Rin now sat. Sad eyes faced him unblinking.

"I waited for you." she offered softly.

Sesshomaru now was finding it hard to breathe as Rin continued.

"When we fought, I remember passing out. When I came to, I was in a tent surrounded by the southern demons. Rather than admit that you had abandoned me yet again, I chose to believe that there was some unknown reason for my being left with the southern lord. There just had to be. The Sesshomaru I know would never walk away from such an obvious victory. So, I waited, and waited some more. It took years before I finally understood that you were not returning."

For the first time in centuries, Sesshomaru was speechless! It never once occurred to him, that in spite of Lord Okamoto, in spite of Koji, in spite of all that transpired…. Rin could still have been his!

He hung his head in shame. Demon lips moved to offer explanation, but no words came forth.

Rin took in a deep breath, and sighed slowly.

"Don't worry, I'm happy now. I've a mate who loves me, two fine pups, and the respect of nations. It took a while for it all to happen, but it did."

Rin rose from her seat and approached Sesshomaru while seemingly 'fiddling' with something that hung around her neck.

"I have something for you. One task remaining before you truly become nothing more to me other than a warm memory."

Rin now stood before Sesshomaru holding something in one hand. Her free hand took hold of his, as she placed a sapphire necklace into his palm. She'd kept the necklace he'd given her so long ago. He clutched her hand around his as she tried to release the item.

"No! I want you to have this!" Sesshomaru nearly blurted out. He shook his head disbelievingly as he desperatly tried to compose himself. "Please keep it." he whispered pleadingly.

Rin brought Sesshomaru's hand to her lips and kissed it gently. She then pressed the hand still holding the necklace, to his chest.

"No, it no longer holds the meaning that it once did. It represents a promise that for what ever the reason, was not kept. My mate no longer needs to look at this piece. I no longer need to look at it."

Rin began to cry softly. She knew that her mate would be by her side in minutes once he caught scent of her tears. She would give the demon before her one final gift before parting from him forever. But Sesshomaru was not going to allow himself to be forgotten.

He firmly kept hold of Rin's hand, and with his other, he wiped her tears dry as he gently cupped her face, and brought her to look into his. Sesshomaru sighed a sad sigh before speaking one final time to the woman who would always hold his heart.

"Keep it. Keep it for your pups, and their pups. Keep it to give to anyone in your line. You have taught me that the world is changing. New ways must be embraced if we all are to move forward."

Sesshomaru gave a small sad smile.

"Keep this necklace as a reminder to a promise that should be fulfilled. Know that if any of your family should ever be in need, they have only to show this necklace, and I and my entire house will be at their disposal. I will be there for them, the way I should have been there for you."

Rin closed her eyes, and was about to refuse once more, but instead, she looked deeply into Sesshomaru's eyes. His pain and sorrow were nearly palpable, and he did not bother to hide his desperation. This small thing would make him happy, and place closure on their once upon a time together. The necklace could be placed in a box never to be seen again, or Rin would hold Sesshomaru to this one promise. She would decide later. But right now, it was time for her to go. It did not take youkai ears for the both of them to know that their time together was about to come to an abrupt halt. Brown eyes smiled up into demonic gold.

"Very well then, I will keep it." came the simple reply.

Before Rin was able to relax her hold of Sesshomaru's hand, before she could so much as sigh or conclude their visit, Sesshomaru then quickly pulled her into his arms, and gave a surprisingly gentle kiss. Rin was surprised to say the least, but she barely managed to gather her composure before Sesshomaru gave another surprise. He then deeply took in her scent before pulling his lips close to her ear.

"Forever yours beloved." he whispered softly before turning and exiting mere moments before Koru and his men cleared the near by bushes.

Koru took his mate into his arms and sniffed inquisitively before nuzzling her neck affectionately. Rin could not help but giggle.

"Is everything alright beloved? I could have sworn I could smell your tears."

Rin slipped her arms around her mate's waist.

"I am fine beloved. The lord of the West has gone, and all is right with the world."

Koru quirked a concerned eye at his mate who simply sighed as she melted into his embrace. Her evident relief was good enough for him. Sesshomaru was gone, and life could go on. Koru gently pulled Rin from his embrace enough to look at her face and kiss her brow. If he could smell any trace of Sesshomaru on her, he gave no indication.

"Let us find our pups, and have our dinner." he cooed lovingly.

Rin gave her mate a blinding smile as she took his hand.

"Now that sounds like a good idea!" she chirped. The pair then left the gardens arm in arm.

FIFTY YEARS LATER

It was a wonderful summer morning for the house of the west. The house suddenly began to prosper not long after Sesshomaru's return from Lord Dotsu's funeral. While many had their suspicions to the correlation, none were fool to ask.

This morning Sesshomaru was spending a rare morning with his mate and son. He may not have loved either of them, but that still was not reason enough to totally alienate either of them. After all, they were only victims of his own folly, and utterly blameless for being there. It was his duty to be with them at some point.

The trio were enjoying the morning air when Jaken suddenly barged in unannounced sputtering.

"What is it Jaken?" Sesshomaru asked in his usual deadly monotone.

Jaken fell to his knees at his master's feet.

"Well my lord.. It's this parcel… it….."

Sesshomaru quirked an eye in irritation as a huge bead of sweat fell from Jaken's brow.

"It's from the house of the south." he barely whispered.

Sesshomaru rose from his seat and extended his hand.

"Give it to me."

Jaken reached into his kimono and handed the small parcel to Sesshomaru, who quickly left the gardens to view the contents in private. Once he was a safe distance away, nervous fingers opened the package to see … a sapphire necklace.

A/N: AND LET THIS BE A LESSON TO YOU ALL! NEVER CALL MY WORK "PREDICTABLE"! ALL YOU'LL DO IS PISS ME OFF ! I will now post the ORIGINAL story in a week or so! (so there!)