InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Hurtful Words: Past & Present ❯ The Present: Chapter 11 ( Chapter 11 )

Disclaimer: Inuyasha is Copyright of Takahashi Rumiko

Hurtful Words: The Present
Chapter 11

"We've arrived."

Rin pointed to the waterfall. In her mind she could already see the cavern behind it and all the elements of home it held. For once in the past three days, she was happy. Anxious to be among the comforts of home, she quickly made her way over the side of the bridge before anyone could protest. In the four years that she had spent going back and forth the rugged path leading to the cavern, it now took her under a minute to make it there.

"It will be easier for you to jump down from there. I know it’s hard to see but if you grab right here, you'll find it sturdy enough to hang on to," she gestured to the spot casually and then continued on her way.

Sesshoumaru wasted no time in following after Rin when she disappeared behind the waterfall. Once inside, his eyes adjusted quickly to the dark, but before he could make out anything, he was blinded by a bright light. Readjusting his eyes again, he stared around the cavern, surprised by what he saw. Never would he have expected to find such a large cavern behind a waterfall and at such an odd, unreachable height. And even with the all the barrels that lined the right side, it was still spacious enough for at least two people to lie down side by side. The back of the cavern widened quite a bit. Half the space had makeshift bedding and the other half was obviously used as a cooking area.

With her torch, Rin lit the wood she had set before she left. "It is a little dusty. I have not been here in a while."

"What is this Rin?" Kagome looked in the barrels closets to the cavern entrance and saw that two were filled with arrows.

"This is home," she replied softly.

"Well Tetsusaiga ain't here so what the hell are we doing here?"

Rin lifted the lid from one of the barrels and used the water in it to fill a pot. "I'll explain over dinner." She lifted another lid from a different barrel and scooped out rice and put it into the pot. "Kagome do you mind helping me?"

"No, of course not." Kagome rushed over quickly. "Hey Inuyasha, would you mind catching some fish?"

"Keh. Fine," and he quickly disappeared.

Within under an hour dinner was prepared and everyone except Sesshoumaru was sitting around the fire. Annoyed, Rin looked over at him, determined to get him to join them.

"I understand you don't eat human food, but this conversation concerns you as much as it does Inuyasha. This is something you must hear. I promise you will not die or catch a disease by simply sitting with us."

Saying nothing, Sesshoumaru walked over and leaned against a wall behind Inuyasha.

Inuyasha shifted uncomfortably before speaking. "Exactly what are we going to talk about? We all know you wanted Tetsusaiga and Tenseiga to get revenge on Sesshoumaru. You've probably been planning this since he ran you off."

"Revenge? What a silly idea. I wasted nearly half of my life following your brother around, why would I waste the rest of it plotting revenge against him?" Rin shook her head. "No, revenge was never my intention. When I saw you, Inuyasha, something inside my head just clicked and I took Tetsusaiga. It was only until after I visited Toutousai did I decide to go after Tenseiga."

Inuyasha nearly choked on his food. "Nani? Toutousai had a part in this?"

Rin sipped her tea calmly. "Hai. In fact, he has had a very large part in this."

"Why should Toutousai help you take the swords he created into your possession?" Sesshoumaru thought of the man who had denied making him a sword equal to Tetsusaiga's power.

"Because he agreed that you and Inuyasha were not yet worthy of the swords in his eyes nor would you be in your father's eyes," she met Sesshoumaru's eyes before speaking again. "I personally thought that such dangerous swords should not be in the hands of any youkai, especially yours."

"Not worthy?" Inuyasha slammed his fist into the ground. "I've learned to use each of Tetsusaiga's techniques and then some! How am I not worthy?"

"He agreed that you were worthy in that sense, but your problem is you depend entirely to much on Tetsusaiga. It is as if you've abandoned your youkai abilities completely," she poured more tea for everyone. "And as for you," she met Sesshoumaru's eyes again. "Not only are you unworthy, but you do not rely enough on Tenseiga. You greatly underestimate its powers. I'm not surprised though, I doubt you'll ever be able to use its full powers."

"Perhaps I chose not to use its full powers because you were unworthy of witnessing them. But this Sesshoumaru is not surprised, I doubt you are capable of thinking of it that way." Sesshoumaru turned his eyes away from Rin.

Rin narrowed her eyes, unprepared for Sesshoumaru's remark and for the sting it brought. She continued nonetheless. "Toutousai believed this would be a great opportunity for you both to learn from. So we took Tetsusaiga and Tenseiga to Mount Imadoki and Toutousai placed a spell that allowed their powers to erect a barrier. In order to get through the barrier you will have to accept your sword with all of your heart and only then will the sword allow you to get through."

"Keh, I've got nothing to worry about then." Inuyasha resumed stuffing his face.

"I'm curious." Sesshoumaru spoke up again. "How did you know Toutousai created our swords and how were you able to find him? Why did he not confiscate Tetsusaiga?"

"To find Toutousai I just had to ask around. There aren't many who do not request his services. As for knowing about him, Jaken-sama has a rather bad habit of saying too much when you were not around." Despite herself, she smiled, remembering the little toad that complained too much. "When I found Toutousai, I told him of how you used me all those years. He was disappointed, but not surprised by your behavior. He knew you were willing to do anything to get Tetsusaiga. As far as he was concerned it was better off in my hands because Inuyasha always bangs it up, and you would probably destroy the world."

"I see. He was simply another individual you have convinced to take pity upon you. Tell me Rin, do you enjoy playing victim?"

Her eyes widened at his words. "What exactly do you mean by that?"

"I mean you are not as innocent as you like people to believe. You stole Tetsusaiga, you found Toutousai, and you convinced him to help you punish it's owner. You did the same with Tenseiga. You are nothing more than a devious woman out to make everyone believe you deserve all of their pity."

Rin rose to her feet, appalled by his accusations. "I seek pity from no one. And though my intentions may not have been good in the beginning, Toutousai and I have a purpose for our actions."

Sesshoumaru pushed himself from the wall, amazed that they were having such a pointless conversation. "What purpose is there in wasting my time searching for you and retrieving what is rightfully mine?"

She let out a frustrated noise. "That is just like you. If it isn't on your agenda, it doesn't have a purpose. Especially if it involves a human. You are completely self-absorbed."

"How is it that I am self-absorbed when it is you who made this entire situation about you?" He gestured to her for emphasis.

"Regardless of how you feel, that was never my intention. Both you and Inuyasha have something to learn from this and whether or not you choose to understand the lesson is not my concern."

"Before you seek to teach this Sesshoumaru anything, you should learn a lesson in respect and maturity."

"I have no reason to respect you and I believe I am mature enough. What you think does not matter."

Sesshoumaru laughed, surprising everyone. "Mature? Tell me, Rin, if you are mature, then why have you refused to address me by my name? Three days we've been traveling and not once have you allowed my name to grace your lips."

Inuyasha, who had been watching with amusement, spoke up at Sesshoumaru's comment. "Keh! I just noticed that. Even in that letter you wrote me you didn't even mention his name. So Sesshoumaru, how does it feel to be so hated that she won't even say your name?"

"Silence, you worthless hanyou," he spoke harshly and resisted the urge to hit him. "Answer the question Rin."

"As I've said before, I do not respect you. And if you find disrespect in my disuse of your name, all the better. If you think I am being immature, then I am. Either way, I will not change for you."

Rin turned away before he could speak and sat unceremoniously on her bedding. Picking up a piece of fabric, she concentrated on sewing and putting Sesshoumaru out of her mind.

Sesshoumaru clinched his teeth and spared her one last look before walking away. He jumped from the ledge and transformed into a bright white light. He traveled up to the top of the mountain where the water tumbled over the edge. Returning to his true form, he sat, contemplating his situation with Rin.

She fascinated him in the most frustrating way.

When she was a small girl she would never have spoken to him in such a manner, would never have dared to stand up to him let alone raise her voice. She had changed so much in his absence and though he hated her at first for not allowing him to be a part of her life, he did not mind so much anymore. He had been a part of her adolescent life as a father figure, but now he was no more of a father to her than he was to Jaken. She was no longer the girl he had considered his child. She was simply..a woman. A woman he had met only two days ago for the very first time.

She was a woman who had just confirmed his suspicions. Rin was indeed determined to push him over the edge, to get him riled up. He had never acted so out of character until that evening. That was what she wanted. She knew the only emotion he would ever show would be anger and disgust and hate. That was how she could make him look like the bad guy. Though dealing with her would frustrate him to no end, he would not allow it. This Sesshoumaru would not let Rin get the better of him.

They left at dawn but to Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru's disappointment, they stopped in a village near Rin's home. They approached a house located on the outskirts of the village and were asked to wait before they got to close. Rin excused herself and was almost immediately met by two small girls.

"Rin-chan! You've returned." Akane bowed as best she could with the little girl in her arms.

A rare smile graced Rin's lips, one that reached her eyes. She took Yuriko from Akane and bounced the two year old on her hip. "Of course I've returned, but I'm afraid I can't stay long. However, I brought something for you." Rin handed the yukata she had finished sewing the night before to Akane.

"Rin-chan, it’s so beautiful! Arigatou!" She bowed again.

"Why don't you go try it on?" Rin smiled after the girl as she ran inside.

"Rin." Saori came out with a basket full of clothing. "You really didn't have to make her the yukata."

"I didn't have to, I wanted to. How are you, Saori-sama?" Rin bowed deeply to the woman who had become so much like a second mother.

"I am fine. I see you've brought some friends." Saori looked over Rin's shoulder. "Would they be the ones you said may be looking for you?"

"Hai, they are." Rin turned and looked at the group. Knowing she would ask questions, Rin quickly changed the subject. "Have Ichigo and Tadaki-sama returned from taking the horses out?"

"No, but they should be back very soon. Rin." When she met Rin's eyes she couldn't hide the worry behind them. "Please be careful."

Rin smiled. "You don't have to worry Saori-sama. I'll be fine." She kissed Yuriko and let her go inside with her mother, just as Akane came running back from inside. "You look so beautiful Akane. It fits you wonderfully."

Akane twirled to show it off. "Arigatou. Look! Father and Ichigo have returned."

"I see." Rin leaned down and gave the girl a hug. "I have to speak with them and then I have to leave. I'll be back soon, I promise."

Rin approached the two men quickly before they could take alarm because of the youkai presence.

"Rin, how wonderful it is to see you again." Tadaki eyed the youkai and then Rin, noting she was wearing her armor. His fatherly instinct kicked in. "What do you need?"

Rin laughed freely. "You know me well, Tadaki-sama. These two fine horses will do. I should return with them in three days."

"I trust you. You just be careful." Tadaki handed the reins of the horse he was leading over to his son. "Don't forget you have chores to do Ichigo."

"Hai, father." Ichigo waited until his father was out of earshot before he spoke. "Rin, don't go. Just tell them where you put the swords and be done with them."

Rin turned and walked towards the barn, sighing heavily. "Ichigo, please. Do not make me regret telling you."

Ichigo quickly followed after her, pulling the horses along. "I don't trust him. You shouldn't trust him after the way he treated you."

"Do not make me regret telling you that either."

"Rin, onegai."

Ichigo grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. He rested his hands on her shoulders and leaned down to kiss her before she could react. And then just as quickly as it had begun, it ended. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly against him.

"Please, don't go. I...I-I love you...Stay, stay and marry me."

Rin's arms froze at her side, seemingly unaffected by the heat in her cheeks. She couldn't have moved if she tried. It took her a moment to find her voice.

"You know I consider you as a brother, nothing more." She waited until he let her go before she spoke again. "Besides," she shrugged. "A family is not for me."

Ichigo stared at her, trying to overcome his pain.

"Ichigo..." It hurt to see him in pain. "I am not what you need. I know there are many young women in the village that would love to marry you. Promise me you'll forget about your feelings for me and move on with your life."

He snatched the reins from the air and walked past her. "I will do no such thing."

"Akane told me you were interested in someone. You know how your sister watches you so you cannot say it is not true." When he stopped, she continued. "Please trust me Ichigo. This is for the best. Now promise me."

Ichigo hesitated for several long moments before he whispered, "I promise."

"Thank you." She smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "Wait here, I will go get some food for the horses to take with me."

His eyes followed her as she walked away and when she was far enough, he marched over to the people waiting for her. He was able to do nothing more than spare Inuyasha a glance before Rin called to him from the barn. Determined to have his say, he ignored her plea for him to wait and continued to move. He met the eyes of the other youkai, his instincts telling him that this was the man who had caused Rin so much pain. He stopped a short distance from the group as Rin drew closer to them. Though his voice was raw with emotion, he spoke clearly and only loud enough for those in front of him to hear.

"Be it your intention or not, you have ruined any chance for her to have a happy future because she has been forever scarred by your cruelness."

Ichigo turned quickly before any words could be spoken. Rin stopped in front of him at that moment, so he leaned over and placed a kiss on her cheek.

"Goodbye Rin." He walked away without another word.

Determined not to let the pain set in, Rin quickly mounted her horse. Kagome and Inuyasha followed suit upon the other horse, Sesshoumaru stared in the direction Ichigo had gone. She waited a few moments, glancing at her companion’s faces and trying to gauge any reactions to Ichigo's confrontation. She was not sure if he had said something or not and certainly was not in the mood to explain his behavior. Seeing that no one had any questions, she tugged on the reins and set her horse into a gallop.

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