InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Impediment Between You and Me ❯ Sanctuary of Neglected Feelings, The Deep Forest ( Chapter 17 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Emotions that were forgotten are now plunging Sesshoumaru as he stands there looking at the girl. And fear haunts him when his appearance doesn't seem to be of her concern because......

Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 11.12.2005 | Updated On: 11.19.2005 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.9K | Visits: 389 | Status: Completed

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 16 : Sanctuary of Neglected Feelings, The Deep Forest

Sesshoumaru glimpsed through the area located at the top of the mountain. Lifeless figures scattered at one corner of the courtyard of the castle. Stench of blood lingered in the air as flows of crimson spread down, corrupting the eternal purity of the snow. Sesshoumaru then turned to face the other side of the area with undisturbed settings. Faint mysterious light was shimmering on the untainted snow. Azure gleam was dimly reflecting against the pale skin of his cheeks and his silver hair swayed gently in the soft wind. The arctic breeze felt cold to the touch and numb to the senses; resembling his distinctiveness and elegance, cold and insensible with a sense of suspense. Yet, even the unique attractiveness of this place was unable to pacify the anxiety that has been disturbing him from the time he set foot on this ground. That is because Sesshoumaru spotted two forms at the porch of the castle. He had finally tracked down the objectives that led to his travel and he took a quick glance at Naraku. He then shifted his attention onto the right side of the hanyou to study Rin's unconscious form and expressed his puzzlement with a slight frown. Rin's condition and the unfamiliar scent on her bothered him.

Naraku looked to the field and there stood one of the guests he has been expecting. He smirked as he recognized the unchanged features of the figure. Naraku has always been fascinated by him, Sesshoumaru, the flawless and arrogant youkai lord with no fear. 'No fear huh? Since I have his weakness right here in my hands, I'll make good use of this opportunity to test it out. Kukuku...' "Sesshoumaru, what's the matter? You've finally made your way here but you don't seem a bit happy about it." Naraku took the initiative of breaking the silence and Sesshoumaru looked back at him.

"Naraku, finally decided to show yourself huh? You went through all that trouble in letting Inuyasha believed he had defeated you. But now show time is over," with a passive expression, the youkai lord slowly drew out his Toukijin. "This Sesshoumaru will end your measly life here at once."

"Good try but you're wrong. Show time is just about to start. For sure even you, Sesshoumaru, will be surprised," Naraku broke his eye contact and took a quick glance at the girl laying beside him. "It seems youkai have developed a liking to human as we can see from Inuyasha. And it's not surprising to know, you as a half-brother of him, are here at this moment for the same reason. But who knows?" Naraku paused and chuckled at his own amusement. "Well, humans are in no doubt a group of useless weaklings, but interestingly there are always exceptions like Kikyou, Kagome and also this girl," he stressed mockingly, and smirked as Sesshoumaru showed a sense of confusion on his barely wavering expression. "Kagome purified the Shikon no Tama and ruined my plans. But my luck hasn't run out yet, I examined this human girl that follows you and decided to use her. I've been waiting for this day for tens years now, the unforeseen power within her soul that no one was aware of will be my new strength." Kanna then appeared from the back with her mirror and stood behind Rin.

The thought of Rin being dragged into someone else's affair triggered something within Sesshoumaru. And knowing the fact that Naraku being the one behind all this, just instantly filled him with burning rage. The true youkai that rested within him was reacting to his disturbed mood. There was this one time where he experienced similar frustration; it was the moment when he noticed Tetsusaiga from his father, was being inherited to his hanyou brother. He couldn't accept the fact that the sword that should have been given to him, belongs to someone that is nothing more but a shameful hanyou. That feeling truly struck him and he hated it. But other than that, Sesshoumaru has always been insensitive until he met Rin...Her warmth melted the layer that isolated his emotions which he had forgotten and locked away, and these strong feelings can no longer be suppressed. And at this moment, all he sensed was great frustration which was calling forth to his inner power. It has been a long while since Sesshoumaru last experienced such strong feeling on a matter. This time it is not just any matter, but precisely a human girl who has somehow become the reason of his action.

Unsteady currents of wind were picking up around Sesshoumaru, reflecting the flow of energy within the youkai that were about to be unleashed. He blinked his eyes which then were instantly turned to spheres of red. And letting out a deep growl, he firmly fixed his sight onto Naraku. The hanyou on the other hand noticed the inu youkai seemed a bit agitated by the fierce look on his face.

"What are you upsetting about? Weren't you the one who decided to leave her in the first place? And don't you understand that all I'm doing here is saving her from her suffering? I generously granted her the chance of having a new start by freeing her from endless confusion, pain, her dreadful past, her memories and memories of you, Sesshoumaru. Is this not what you wanted?" Naraku narrated, feeling it was necessary to make clear of the facts. Following his plan, he slowly stepped away from the porch and took off into the sky to prepare some distance away from his irritated guest. And jyaki started gathering around him. "Don't forget Sesshoumaru. You were the one who selected this choice and I'm simply acting on your behave. You should be thankful."

Sesshoumaru stood there frozen as words echoed in his mind. He was losing concentration on his power due to the shocking interruption from Naraku. The youkai power from his inner self was disappearing and the colour of his vision returned to normal. '...My choice? ...Her endless pain? ...Saving her from suffering?!' He was reminded of that day. It was the day when he separated his path from that of Rin. She belongs with her kind, he thought. And he didn't expect it would come to this. Yes, he was the one who separated himself from her but...is this what he truly want? But one thing for sure is that this is his personal issue and he will not tolerate others to interfere. "Such concern of this Sesshoumaru does not need any attention from the likes of you!" he launched forward to Naraku and slashed out a swirl of power with his Toukijin. "And how ridiculous of you speaking of me requiring your worthless attempts. I will defeat you and settle complication of mine with my own method!" And on instinct, Naraku prevented the strike with his barrier, meaning the attack was futile to Sesshoumaru's disappointment.

"Going to settle the problem you say? Heh. What's there left to be taken care of? Sesshoumaru, you still don't understand, do you? Even if you manage to save this girl, there's nothing to be done. She now has absolutely no connection with you because you don't exist in her world. You are merely a heartless youkai to her just like in any other human's eyes." Excitement was slowly building within Naraku as he was leading Sesshoumaru to the next level of unending confusion and agony, "Listen carefully Sesshoumaru, I erased this girl's memories for her own good."

Sesshoumaru paused for a moment, trying to decipher through the sounds of those words. Shocked, he dropped his attention from Naraku and slowly turned to Rin. The weight of doubt was oppressing on him as the tune of those words repeated in his mind; not sure if he misheard it or it was all just a dream...

A faint light glow amidst the empty space interrupted him while he was compiling his sense. He traced its movement as it danced through the breeze and he frowned at its strange and sudden appearance. 'Maybe this is another one of Naraku's tricks,' he thought and he shut his eyes for a quick second, trying to divide himself from letting the illusion get to him. An unfamiliar scent lingered in the air, it was the scent he detected a moment ago and it was getting more intense. He then opened his eyes to see Rin standing there which caught him startled. With the urge of wanting to rush over to her, he leaned forward. But in stead, the girl started walking towards his direction and stopped in front of him. No emotion shown on her face, she drew out his Tenseiga and pointed the blade to her neck. Sesshoumaru almost felt his heart stopped as the reflecting light of his sword was shinning on the girl's pale skin. When he was reaching out his arm to stop her, Rin grabbed the silk-like hair draping on her back and ran the blade through those perfect strands; cutting away her imperfect memories and pain, and memories of him...

Sesshoumaru stood there staring at the girl, petrified. Emptiness blocked his senses and the only thing he could detect was the sound of those words and it kept on repeating...

Freeing her from Endless Confusion...

Endless Suffering...

Cutting Away Her Memories...

And Memories of You...

Is this not what you wanted?

Light breeze was dancing silently and brushing against her dark hair with uneven edges. A blank expression remained on Rin's face as she stood there unmoving. The long strands of hair in her hold that were cut off, slipped through her hand and fell lightly onto the ground. Sesshoumaru was trembling at the moment, and battling with his senses. All that just happened seemed too unbelievable to him.

'...Rin...Weren't you the one who told me those words? To not leave you...and not forget you...Rin!' There was no emotion shown in her eyes and he called out, trying to wake her to her sense. But his voice could not reach her and it looked as though she wasn't even aware of his existence. For the first time, fear was brought to him and he trembled again at the terrible feeling. He had never expected anything to this extent would happen to him.

'No...I must be mistaken...This is not happening...This is not what I wanted...no...NO! Tell me this is not happening!' On the verge of collapsing, he cried inside his head. His muscles tensed and he reached out his arm. He shook her by the shoulder and called out her name but she just stood there unfeelingly, it seemed her heart was not there...

Naraku knew his victory was approaching as Sesshoumaru was losing his composure. "After all, you're a demon and she's a human. And your lack of understanding about those weaklings is obviously the cause of her suffering. Sesshoumaru, does this not prove to us that even a perfect youkai like you, can be hopeless at times?" Suddenly, a blast of wind come flying at Naraku and he immediately prevented it using his barrier. The startling interruption brought Sesshoumaru back to his senses. He then realized it was Naraku's trap when he saw Rin's unconscious form still laying on the porch and he growled at his own carelessness. Inuyasha and the group noticed Sesshoumaru was already at the scene and stared at him muted.

"Oh? Inuyasha, what took you so long?" Naraku studied Inuyasha and noticed the three Sohma came along with him. "Heh. It seems like you've got some new company."

"Naraku just shut your crap!" Youki was gathering around Inuyasha and he pointed his red Tetsusaiga at Naraku. "And don't think you can get away this time because I'm going to defeat you no matter what! Kaze no Kizu!" Everyone in the scene watched with absorption as the power was rushing at Naraku, hoping to break his barrier but were disappointed when Inuyasha's attack failed again. Sesshoumaru just stared at his half-brother coolly because this level of youkai power from Inuyasha was no surprise, weak that is.

"Heh. Reckless as always." Naraku struck down a scatter of his dark power at his enemies and everyone jumped out of the way to dodge. "Watch carefully as I make use of that girl's souls."

"What?" Inuyasha called and a faint light appeared on Kanna's mirror.

"Oh no Naraku's going to absorb Rin's souls!" Kagome cried out and the group finally realized Naraku's plan.

"Rin!" Kohaku dashed over to the porch of the castle when he discovered Rin's unconscious form and Miroku and Sango followed after him.

"Kagome go help Kohaku! I'll take care of Naraku!" Inuyasha exchanged his gaze with Kagome and the girl nodded to him as she was grabbing her bow and arrows.

Sesshoumaru charged at Naraku and slashed out several hits. "Damnit! Sesshoumaru stay out of this! Naraku is mine to defeat!" the hanyou shouted at his half-brother.

"Yours to defeat you say? By a hanyou like you?!" Sesshoumaru turned to Inuyasha and struck out his power.

"What the hell!" Inuyasha leaped backwards to dodge and Naraku laughed at the brotherly exchange. Inuyasha growled, feeling really pissed. Ignoring Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru turned back to face Naraku and continued with his attempts.

With his determined expression, the youkai lord slashed out his critical hit, "Souryuuha!" And his enormous youkai power was disrupting the area. Inuyasha took his opportunity and blasted out his Kaze no Kizu. The two inu youkai watched as their powers were being combined and flashes of light were covering Naraku's outline. The light faded away after a quick moment and what was left there was Naraku's form without a single scratch. Inuyasha growled at the sight while Sesshoumaru stared at Naraku with a slight frown.

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Kohaku unsheathed his katana as he reached the porch. He tried to swing his sword at Kanna but got repelled away.

"It's useless..." Kanna voiced in a monotone. Kagome, Miroku and Sango arrived at the site to see Kohaku struggling. They knew it would not be easy to save Rin.

"Kohaku stop it! Kanna is being protected by Naraku's barrier!" Miroku called out but Kohaku just ignored him.

'This is all my fault...I shouldn't have let her go that day...and I can't afford to lose her again! I must save her no matter what the cost might be!' Knowing time was running out, the young man tried to force his sword into the barrier with all his strength.

"Kohaku move away for a second, let me try this!" Kohaku paused and looked back at Kagome, who has her bow and arrow targeted at the barrier.

"Why is he listening to Kagome-sama and not me?" the houshi looked disappointed and Sango and Shippo just sent him a blank stare. Then Kohaku got out of the way and Kagome released her purifying arrow at the barrier. To everyone's disappointment, the effect of Kagome's holy power was not any better than Kohaku's attempts. As the group was trying to find a way to break the barrier, Sohma Kagura ran up to them and thought it was time for her to make use of her power to save Rin. She explained to the group the strategy of combining her youkai power and Kagome's holy power and everyone thought they would use every means to save the poor girl. And so everyone watched silently as Kagura concentrated her power on breaking the barrier. Surprisingly, the strength of the barrier has become weakened which Kagome and her friends were amazed about. Wasting no time, Kagome once again fired her purifying arrow at the target. The force of the arrow was rushing against the barrier, creating a bright light. Kanna stared blankly at the barrier above her, knowing it could not keep up any longer. Then the faint light on her mirror faded away and she vanished into the thin air. The barrier was then broken and Kohaku immediately ran up to the unconscious girl laying before him.

"Rin!" Kohaku looked at her worriedly, not sure if she was alright or not.

"Kohaku, let's hurry and leave this place. It's getting dangerous here." Miroku suggested and Kohaku nodded to him. He then sheathed his katana and picked up Rin bridal style. The group was glad that they were finally able to save Rin.

Naraku was aware that his prey was getting away and he knew it was the Sohma's doing. He then decided to give them a reward for the cause of this trouble. Kagome and her friends watched in horror as shocking pain flow through Kagura, Ayame and Hatori.

"Damnit!" Inuyasha was frustrated by the sight and he turned back to Naraku.

High above the ground, Jaken arrived with Ah-Un. He sighed in relief when he finally discovered his Lord's figure. Then he confusingly looked around the crowded area below him.

At the moment, Miroku and Sango were trying to help the Sohma and thought they need to evacuate those three to a safer area as soon as possible due to their weak condition. Then Sango saw her brother was running pass her with Rin in his arms.

"Kohaku, Kirara will bring you and Rin to a safe place. Now hurry and go!" Sango instructed her brother and she pointed to her youkai pet. And in response, Kohaku ran as fast as he could to Kagome, who was standing beside Kirara.

"I don't think so." Kagura appeared from the sky and struck out her wind blade at Kagome and Kohaku.

"Kyaaaaaaaa" Kagome screamed as she was being tossed away by the impact. Without a second thought, Kohaku wrapped his arms tightly around the unconscious girl, protecting her as Kagura's attack was coming down at their direction. He then felt the pain of his fresh on his back and arms were being torn open by the cutting wind and he cried out in extreme pain. Feeling exhausted, he unwillingly lost his grip on the girl. The torrent of the violent wind carried Rin away from Kohaku and the two landed on separate grounds. Kohaku laid there on his front and he weakly turned his head to search for Rin's form. Then he tensed when he saw the girl was laying on her back about fifteen feet away from him, still unconscious. He reached out his arm to her, wanting to get to her side but he felt too weak to move. 'Rin...'

Everyone turned to the sound of the crash and was shocked by the chaotic sight. Inuyasha looked back behind him when he heard Kagome's cry. His eyes widened in shock as he saw Kagome's form laid on the field unmoving, "Kagome!" he quickly ran over to her. Sango got beside Kohaku and the deep wounds on his back brought tears to her eyes, thinking her brother went this far just to protect Rin.

Sesshoumaru also got interrupted by the sudden commotion. And before he could get a chance to clarify the situation, he already went flying to Rin with his full youkai speed. Kagura was lowering her feather platform in Rin's direction, going to pick up the girl as Naraku ordered. Then she suddenly shifted aside which just barely avoided the force that was flying at her. She turned to look at the source of the deadly intrusion and noticed it was Sesshoumaru. "Damn," she muttered, backing off from the scene.

Naraku stared at Inuyasha who was facing Kagome, "Inuyasha, you should be looking at me," Naraku called deeply and struck out his dark energy. And on instinct, Inuyasha turned around and countered the attack with his other move. "Bakuryuuha!"

Naraku smirked as the blast come flying at him. Then he absorbed the swirl of power and released it at another direction...

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Japanese Vocabulary

Hanyou - Half demon

Houshi - Monk

Inu - Dog

Jyaki - Evil Aura

Kaze no Kizu - Scar of the wind / Wind Scar

Shikon no Tama - Jewel of Four Souls

Souryuuha - Azure Dragon Blast

Youkai - Demon