InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Impediment Between You and Me ❯ In the Deepest Part of Heart ( Chapter 14 )

NOTE

 

Kagura - Kagura from Fruits Basket (in regular fonts)

 

Kagura- Kagura from Inuyasha (in italics)

 

~~*~~ changes scenes from regular to inside story

 

Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Inuyasha and Fruits Basket nor do I have anything that has to do with these two wonderful animations. They solely belong to Rumiko Takahashi and Takaya Natsuki respectively.

 

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The Impediment Between You and Me

 

Chapter 13 : In the Deepest Part of Heart

 

"Kagura-chan? Ayame-san? Where are you?" Rin called, searching for familiar faces through thin layers of air moisture. She waited, and noticed nothing but utter silence. A few moments later, she could feel herself tremble weakly as images flashed through her mind. Images of herself running through a misty forest and a blurred figure with long silver hair...... While taking a step forward, Rin studied the mysterious form with an outline she somehow felt familiar to. Feeling confused, the girl frowned. Then she started her way, trying to reach over to the figure facing the other direction. Before the tip of her slender fingers could make any contact with the form in front of her, the fog surrounding the area faded away along with the blurred figure like they have never existed.

 

'............?!'

 

Then, warm light waves bathed over the girl, who stood solitary on an open field. She had to close her eyes unwillingly due to the sudden change of the radiance's intensity and then open them again shortly after.

 

'What......was that from just a moment ago? ......Who was that? ......And what's this feeling?' Rin thought as she clenched her hand above her chest.

 

With the same expression she had earlier, she stared at the sight before her without blinking her eyes for the moment. Yet this time the image is very clear and vivid that it almost gives an opposite effect, causing an unnatural feeling to the girl. Aside from vision, Rin could also faintly hear the sound of a running stream nearby. Then she noticed a small lake located not too far from where she stood and decided to take a rest there.

 

'I wonder if what I saw a moment ago has anything to do with my memories......If yes then who is that person? And why was I running like I was trying to escape from something?'

 

The harmonic tune of the stream became louder as Rin approached closer to the lake. It might only be her imagination but she could also detect another sound echoing. So she closed her eyes to concentrate and pictured herself in the deepest part of the sea. There was nothing but silence, it felt if as she was at the other end of the world. And in the depths of those soundless torrents, she heard the sound of someone crying......she could somehow understand its meaning......it was lonely.

 

Then Rin slowly opened her eyes and unexpectedly witnessed an exchange between two figures; one lying weakly on the lake-side while the other was standing on the surface of the pond.

 

"Just a little bit more...... Come, my dear. We will be together, always," the lady with long strands of lavenderblush coloured hair, was standing on the lake during the whole event. Then, she started her way towards the exhausted-looking man a few feet away. Dragging the silk-like hair and faded kimono with elegant design behind her feet, her movement created a trail of waves on the water surface. Feeling suspicious, Rin rushed over to scene and her eyes widened in shock as she examined the man, whose skin was turning pale as his soul was being consumed.

 

"Stop!!" Standing in front of the man who just fainted, Rin yelled.

 

"............?!" The female with an evil aura stopped in response, surprised by the sudden appearance of the girl.

 

"Sorry for the interruption......Even though I don't know why you're doing this but this is not right! So please stop!" Rin declared, shaking slightly.

 

"Girl, leave us alone if you don't want to die." Yet Rin stood there unmoving. "Why are you protecting someone you know not of? This man deserve to die......No, all men with their corrupted souls must not be forgiven for the sinful acts they have done! Move away! Now!" Feeling enraged, the lady suddenly turned transparent which caught Rin startled. "You have made a big mistake."

 

A gust of wind blew over the lake, causing unsteady waves. Then unpleasant aura around the outline of the transparent form defiled the lake, changing its colour to dark violet in seconds. Then she motioned her arm, ready to attack the defenceless human girl. Surge of water came rushing at Rin as the enraged soul controlled their movements.

 

Rin was trapped by the flood of water and could feel herself drowning. She thought she was losing her breath; thought she was going to die. Then the thought of death reminded her of the conversation she had with Kagura-chan sometime ago.

 

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Flashback......

 

"I don't deserve to have anyone's attention......I... " Rin's train of thought was then interrupted when she felt her face was throbbing and its unpleasant sensation brought her back to reality.

 

"That's enough!" Kagura snapped, whose right arm was trembling while tears started to blur her vision. She could feel the soreness of her palm and the heat in her heart. "No more......"

 

'............Kagura-chan?'

 

'.........She can't be like this......She doesn't deserve to suffer......'

"Why? Why does it have to happen this way? If it's not because of me......right now you should be by his side with your smile......" Kagura said and buried her face in her hands.

 

'......By his side? ......What is she talking about?'

 

"It feels surprisingly painful for me to picture you like this and how comical that I'm the one who causes you all these troubles. This is like a punishment......I guess......Rin-chan.......gomen nasai," tears running down her face, Kagura stared at the girl before her. Rin could do nothing but frown.

 

"Rin-chan......Please promise me one thing......Please don't ever give up no matter what happens. And remember..." Kagura paused, thinking of the punishment she might receive from Naraku-sama if she continued to spill out crucial information to Rin. "......and remember that you are not alone. Your reunion with him is coming in the near future. So before then, you must take good care of yourself for the sake of both of your future."

 

Before nodding to Kagura, Rin paused for a moment, trying to figure out what her friend attempted to explain, "I promise."

 

"Arigato! Rin-chan arigato......" Kagura hugged Rin tightly as tears ran down her cheeks. ( JV : Arigato - Thank you )

 

End of Flashback......

 

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'I must not give up easily. I promised Kagura-chan...... For my and someone else's sake......someone else? But who's this someone?' Rin thought as she struggled for breath. Then her thought was interrupted when she heard the sound of someone crying.

 

'......It's that again......I wonder who's crying......' Then images fleshed through Rin's mind as the sound continued to echo............

 

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"Kaori hime-sama! Where are you going? Please come back!" a maid called and attempted to catch up to the girl in front.

 

"I'm going to the fort for a bit, I'll be back before dinner," the girl with long lavenderblush coloured hair quickly looked back to the female and then vanished from the courtyard of the castle.

 

'She's going to see that young man from the troops again......Sakurada-sama will be upset if he noticed his daughter's having feelings for someone with a different status...' the maid sighed before going back to her duty.

 

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At the castle's fort.........

 

"Arashi!" a male with blonde hair turned to the direction of the voice and saw a girl wearing a silk kimono came rushing at him.

 

"Hime-sama!" he greeted the girl with a smile.

 

"Hey! How many times did I tell you not to call me that?" Kaori frowned slightly.

 

"Please forgive me," Arashi Kisaragi, the most skilled samurai in the castle gave up and faced the girl with a sad smile.

 

Feeling worried, Kaori stared at the other guards in the area and then back at Arashi, "You feeling tired? ......I can send someone to get a drink for you if you are thirsty...... Do you need it?"

 

"Don't worry Kaori, I'm alright......I'm just a little bored. But not anymore because you're here with me now." Arashi stared at the girl before him, smiling. As the two were exchanging their gaze, Kaori found herself lost in space as she admired the golden gaze of the one she loved; it got her heart skipping and a light blush appeared on her cheeks.

 

To Arashi, this girl is more important than anything in the world and he would sacrifice anything just to protect her......

 

"Numerous prayers I've made in the past, wishing time would stop just to freeze the moments I have with you," sighed the man with blonde hair. "Even now." In response to his words, Kaori's face turned to a shade of red.

 

"Arashi, I........." The girl wanted to explain her feelings yet somehow she had difficulties speaking out, "I........." Then the two were interrupted when one of Kaori's maid came searching for the missing princess.

 

"Kaori himi-sama! Please come, it's almost time for dinner. And Kisaragi-sama please come along, Sakurada-sama wishes to see you," the maid informed and the three left the fort.

 

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At the castle's dining hall......

 

"Kisaragi, I've called you here tonight is regarding an important task that needs to be done with your help." Sakurada ordered, the ruler of the castle. Then he took out a piece of paper and looked at Arashi. "This document is an agreement I've made with the ruler in the Eastern land, a vow of controlling our own territories. As an elite from our military, I want you to deliver this safely to his hands, and thus the agreement will come a pass." Kaori was upset about the news and Sakurada noticed her daughter's reaction. "I assume this enduring journey would take about three months, so I will order two people to occupy your company.”

 

"Hai. Sakurada-sama, I will be at my best to guard this document," and Arashi bowed to the lord sitting at the throne.

 

"Very well then. I await the return of your good news."

 

For the rest of the night, people celebrated the admiration of Arashi for the glory that he held and wished him success. Kaori was depressed the whole evening while Arashi seemed as calm as always.

 

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After the dinner, Kaori rushed into her father's room with a frown, "Father, why does Arashi have to be the one for this? Why can't it be someone else? Why?"

 

"Kaori, the document is the key to our future and Arashi is the only one who has the ability to protect it from harm. That is the reason why. I have faith in him and I believe you do too, Kaori," answered the ruler of Southern Lands.

 

"Father, but I........."

 

"Kaori, it's getting late. You should get to rest now. Come, take the princess to her room." Sakurada ordered, motioning his arm at his servants.

 

"Father, please listen....... Father!" Kaori struggled as she was being dragged out to the hallway. Feeling frustrated, Kaori didn't want to go back to her room. Instead, she escaped from the maids that were chasing after her and went to search for her love.

 

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Later that night, Arashi and Kaori took a walk at the forest and they rest under a sakura tree that was located near a lake. Kaori was still upset at her father sending Arashi away from her. The sad expression on Kaori's face remained there the whole evening until Arashi, who was sitting beside her spoke up.

 

"Kaori, what's the matter?"

 

".........I hate my father. He's a baka," the girl replied while staring at the crescent moon that was being reflected upon the surface of the lake. ( JV : Baka - Fool/Stupid )

 

"Why's that?" he stared at her and chuckled for a bit.

 

Then Kaori turned to her side, facing the guy next to her, "I......I don't want you to leave......" 'I don't want us to get separated.......not even a moment.' ".......And what am I supposed to do while you are not here?"

 

"Kaori, don't worry it's only three months. Time passes really quick......And your friends in the castle are there for you, there are lots for you to do, really. As a princess, I bet you can never get bored," Arashi tried to cheer up the girl.

 

'......No, that's no it. My life has no meaning without you even if I have everything in the world.......' Kaori could feel the pain in her chest.

 

"Actually taking ventures to the outside world is not a bad idea. This can be a chance for me to get stronger, both physically and mentally."

 

"So you are saying that you want to leave? .......wanted to be away from here?" Tears started trailing down the girl's face, '.......wanted to be away from me?'

 

"No," Arashi hugged Kaori closely to him and the girl was surprised by this sudden action. "I have never thought about leaving or to be away.......from you." They stayed like that for a short moment. Then Arashi slowly released Kaori from his hold yet they remained close to each other, closer than ever before and close enough for them to feel each other's body warmth. They sat there under the moon, studying the shimmering lake before them and wished time would stop there eternally.

 

"Before I met you, I was trying to seek the purpose of my life and that was the reason why I joined the group. I thought it would be the key to solve my problem, yet it didn't help one bit. Well maybe a little that I did get stronger after all the training I have been through," Arashi chuckled while Kaori giggled softly. "But after I've met you, I finally found what I had been trying to seek. And I have it right here with me, I'll protect it no matter what happens," Arashi said as he turned his attention from the lake onto the girl that he had been thinking of day and night. "And the experience of being able to accomplish the task I'm given would get me stronger. To be stronger so that I can......protect you if you allow me to......"

 

"Please do......please remain by my side, always," Kaori begged desperately and a light blush appeared on the delicate skin of her cheeks. Seeing the slightly agitated girl, Arashi felt the urge to hold her once again which he did after tenderly placing a kiss on the girl's forehead.

 

"I will always be with you. I promise," Arashi said softly, whispering into the girl's ear. They made their promise under the moon and stayed there for the rest of the night, enjoying their last moment before Arashi's departure.

 

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Early next morning, Kaori, Arashi and a few other people were at the castle gate, saying their goodbye.

 

"Arashi, please becareful," Kaori said worriedly. Arashi nodded in response and he moved close to the girl.

 

"There is something important I need to tell you after I come back," He whispered and smiled to the girl who looked surprised for a moment. Arashi then turned around, starting his journey to the Eastern Lands. Kaori stared at his back until the image vanished from her sight.

 

'I will be here waiting for you, so please come back safely.' Kaori thought with a longing expression.

 

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A few weeks later, Sakurada told his daughter that she was going to marry a lord from another land so that they could become allies. Kaori declared that she would not marry someone she had no feelings for which caused her father raging with anger. Kaori was really upset at her father, first he separated Arashi from her and now forcing her to marry someone she knew not of. Not giving in to her father, Kaori locked herself in her room and drown herself with tears as she waited for the return of her true love.

 

A few months later, the travellers were back from the east and Sakurada was having a discussion with the group in the conference hall. Kaori immediately rushed to the room, feeling eager to see the one she had been waiting for. As the girl arrived, she was greeted by a strange atmosphere and the people there seemed mournful as if they were attending a funeral. Kaori scanned through the room, where she spotted the two messengers that traveled with Arashi yet there was no sign of the young man. Then she slowly walked over to them, feeling extremely confused.

 

"......Where is Arashi?" she asked yet the two just stood there muted.

 

"Kisaragi is still in the Eastern Lands," Sakurada's voiced, catching his daughter's attention.

 

".......?! Why? When is he coming back?"

 

"I believe he won't be coming back. I got a message from him saying that he decided to marry a girl that he met in the Eastern Lands and he is waiting for my approval of his marriage." Kaori's mind became blank for a second. She was shocked by her father's words. "And it is obvious that his wish will be granted for the glory he has brought us."

 

"......Lies," Kaori uttered as tears ran down her face. "No! This can't be true! You're lying!" Then she turned to the messengers again, "Please tell me, where's Arashi? What happened to him? Tell me please!" Everyone in the room remained silent; they could do nothing but feel sorry for the poor princess, who was crying frantically.

 

"That is enough! Kaori, this is the truth so face it!" Sakurada snapped. And he had done it, he slapped her daughter. This was the first time he had ever hurt her. He had always been so protective of her because this is his only daughter and always wanted her to have the best that he could give. Everything he did, this empire he put together was all for her future benefits......even this act they were role-playing that hurt her deeply. He had no other choice; it had to happen this way. And he believed that Kaori would give in to him and marry the lord he had discussed about, by telling her that Arashi had fallen in love with another lady. At least this would be better than telling her the truth of what had actually happened, otherwise it would only hurt her unbelievably.

 

"Father......I'm sorry..........but I......but I love him," Kaori faced his father with a smile as tears ran down her cheeks continuously. ".......Please forgive me," She said and then ran out of the room, going towards the direction of the lake.

 

Sakurada was confused for a moment, staring at the spot where her daughter was standing. "Hurry! Go after her and bring her back safely! I don't know what she might do at her current state," He called worriedly and everyone else chased after the princess.

 

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Kaori arrived at the lake, where the memories of her and Arashi lingered. With a blank expression, she stared at the Sakura tree and then to the moon in the sky. 'He fell in love with another girl......no...It can't be true......We made our promise here that night......He promised me that he will always be with me......that he will never leave me.......Are those all lies?!' she thought as her chest ached with tremendous pain. Then she was reminded with what her father told her earlier and the spot where he hit her ached in response.

 

“That is enough! Kaori, this is the truth so face it!”

 

'Because this is the truth, that's why I can't get myself to face it......Arashi is no longer here with me now......I don't know what I should do......I've just lost everything......To me, being with him means everything...but now......' with a feeling of despair, she stared at the peaceful lake before her. Then she walked over to the lakefront and stepped down into the water. Its cool sensation somehow calmed her yet she could still feel the pain that was striking at her and she wanted these pain to be washed away. So she decided to move to the deepest part of the lake......

 

Kaori admired the moon one last time before closing her eyes, setting herself free from painful memories......and there, she disappeared into the currents of the lake.

 

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Then Rin was brought back to reality when she felt the shortness of breath in her chest. 'So she is the one who was crying and those images are her memories......such unfortunate experience. But something doesn't feel right......It's difficult to believe that Arashi would do such a thing to Kaori. And painful memories? No, they were not painful at all. Did she forget about the wonderful times she shared with Arashi? Did she forget the feelings she has for him? But now she is......She can no longer go back. If only I could make her understand......'

 

"Putting faith in them is a mistake from the start and falling in love.......will only lead us to a world of misery. Because in the end, we are the ones to be left behind with painful memories......alone suffering. So for your own benefits, you shall never trust them as well." Kaori advised calmly and transformed back to her normal self after freeing Rin from drowning.

 

"No, that's not it......There's a misunderstanding," Rin said, a tone of sadness in her voice. She was soaked with water and sitting weakly on the ground, feeling exhausted. "That's not how it truly is. Nothing is perfect in this world. In fact, people are trying their hardest to fix their problems until they feel satisfied or they believed perfection has been reached. No one is to be blamed simply because that's just our nature."

 

"That's a wonderful belief you have there. But not everyone thinks the same way as you do and unfortunately their belief system has eventually created this corrupted world we have now. You should have no trouble understanding this since you have had past experience. Although I have these painful memories, yet your situation is not any better than mine."

 

'.........?!'

 

"Same thing happened to you too......You were also abandoned by the one you love, and now you are left with nothing......Your fate proves you wrong." Kaori could remember the day when she first saw Rin and Sesshoumaru. They happened to pass by this lake a few years ago. 'Back then, you looked so carefree. But now it seems confusion is the only emotion you possess.'

 

"......What are you talking about? How do you know things about me that even I can't recall myself? Have we met before? If you know anything else, please tell me. Please tell me more! I want to know more about myself......Please!" Rin called desperately.

 

"What? You can't remember anything?" asked Kaori and Rin shook her head in response. "Could it be......that you lost all your memories?" Not saying anything, Rin just lowered her head. "I see......So now you no longer need to carry your reminiscence with you and can live on happily without thinking back. How lucky that you got a second chance at life. Your former self had left this world with your past; you have reborn. This is too wonderful......I envy you."

 

"Wonderful? You envy my situation? No...NO! It is not wonderful at all!" Rin cried and burst herself in tears. "Many times I wanted my memories to be brought back. This unspeakable feeling is awful. I can't find myself with the life I have now......my existence is meaningless." There was a moment of silence and then Rin looked up at Kaori, "And memories, whether they are painful or not; they are all precious. They should never be disregarded but to be protected. Everyone has a story of their own......but the pages in my story are missing and what's left are filled with blanks. So Kaori, please appreciate the memories you have. They are really precious and meaningful to you."

 

"But how am I supposed to feel grateful about it when it hurts me so?" Then Kaori paused and turned her attention onto the lake, "My soul lingers on this lake ever since I lost all my hopes many years ago. I have always stayed here all by myself, alone crying......just like that night when I noticed men's words can never be trusted."

 

"You are being too pessimistic......your perception is distorted. It's not like that; there's a misunderstanding. Arashi is..." Rin got cut off by the girl.

 

"No, please don't speak of that person......I have already forgotten about him...I don't want myself to suffer again."

 

"That's a lie! Arashi is important to you, even now......I can feel it. Even if he really did hurt you, you still can't stop yourself from thinking of him. It is because you love him. Is that feeling alone not enough for you to forgive him?” Rin said while she was staring at Kaori's back. "However, I believe you are still the only one that Arashi would ever love......because of the promise he made that night, was filled with genuineness."

 

Sakurada-hime turned around, facing Rin, "......You haven't changed a bit, still confident and innocent as always." She stated with a smile as tears were flowing down her cheeks. Then her teardrops purified the lake, and images appeared on its surface like a mirror; concluding Kaori's story.

 

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The death of the princess was a shocking news to everyone in the castle. Sakurada was regretful for he didn't understand Kaori's feelings. He thought he had planned the perfect future for her but unfortunately it brought his family to an end. Yet from this failure, he was able to realize the things that happened were all part of their destiny; that Kaori and Arashi were meant for each other. Yet one more thing still need to be done before all these could come to an end. One of the messengers that travelled to the Eastern Lands still need to fulfil the request he got from Arashi and he was on his way to the lake. As he walked through the forest, he was thinking of the day when the horrible incident that happened during the trip; it was also the day he last saw Arashi.

 

They had an unexpected encounter on their way back to home. Arashi managed to defeat the youkai that attacked them yet he was severely wounded. He laid down, panting for breath as blood escaping from his wounds. He must go back because Kaori was waiting for him, but somehow he felt too weak to move; he was losing his senses. Then he knew his story has reached its last page; this is the end of his journey. Realized that he had failed to keep his promise to Kaori, he sighed. Then he turned to the two messengers who he managed to protect, and handed a silver ring to one of them and spoke his last words. After awhile, Arashi who was still laying down, changed his attention from the two person beside him onto the clear morning sky above. He was sorry for Kaori and wished she would forgive him. He then slowly closed his eyes and left the world with a peaceful expression......

 

The messenger's thought was then interrupted when he sited the lake and he stopped at the lakefront.

 

"Kaori Hime-sama, unfortunately Kisaragi-sama is unable to return to your side. And following the path of my destiny, I am here to fulfil his wish in his stead." Then he took out the silver ring he received from Arashi and dropped it into the lake. “He wanted to give you this ring. I'm sorry...... I should have handed you this earlier. He also wanted to tell you that you are the most precious in his memories, and that he loved you......those were his last words." Said the messenger as the ring sank to the bottom of the lake. Then he sighed, feeling relieved that the request had finally been fulfilled. "May you be blessed with eternal happiness," and he vanished from the area.

 

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"It was all a mistake......I failed to trust him and I can't forgive myself for denying him and the promise he made. Although he revealed his feelings, I still don't think I am worthy for him......And all these years I have locked myself away because I can't find any reason to forgive myself......" Kaori uttered quietly and tears were running down her cheeks continuously.

 

"It's alright. You have suffered long enough......you should allow yourself to rest from now. And it's okay that you placed uncertainty on him, he'll understand because he loved you and that is all that matters," Rin smiled to Kaori. "That is the reason you have been trying to find after all these times, the feelings you have for each other."

 

Kaori smiled warmly and her soul that was lingering on the lake began to disappear. "Rin, arigato. You made me realized the importance of my memories. I will never forget them......Oh, and Rin you look lovely with your smile, no wonder why even he fell for you," Kaori giggled and Rin just stared at the girl, her head slanted to one side. "Even though people are separated, their hearts are still connected......And there is no need to get too disappointed even though you lost your story because you are about to start a new one. You will be together, always." And Kaori disappeared as the harmonic tune of the stream continued to sing. ( JV : Arigato - Thank you )

 

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"Rin-chan? Where are you?" called Kagura, trying to find the separated girl. Then she located a lake and a fainted Rin laying by the lakefront. Kagura, Ayame and Hatori went over to the unconscious girl. "Rin-chan daijobo? Rin-chan? ......Guys, Rin-chan is not waking up, let's go back now," Kagura stared at the girl, feeling worried. So the group were on their way back to Naraku's fortress with an unconscious Rin who had a silver ring in hand. ( JV : Daijobu - Are you okay? )

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Japanese Vocabulary

 

Arigato - Thank you

 

Baka - Fool / Stupid

 

Daijoubu - Are you okay?