7 - Tears of the Unwanted

"Freeloader!" Minoru yelled at Enzeru when Enzeru had refused to help Minoru and his sisters clean the hut. The man sat shirtless except that his whole stomach and rib cage were bandaged and small spots of dark red blood stains could be seen.

Enzeru laughed and pointed an accusing finger at Minoru. "I have a reason to not help, you on the other hand are letting your sisters do everything!"

Minoru looked around at Tamae and Taka who were glowering at him.

"He's right Minoru!" Taka said as she pointed the end of her broom at her brother.

Tamae stuck out her tongue at him and began to dust the blankets outside.

Minoru muttered something about a damn freeloader and went back to his sweeping.

Enzeru smirked and sat with his legs crossed and watched the children. He began to whistle, causing Minoru to look over at him and give him an evil glare.

A week had already passed since Enzeru had been brought to the village and two weeks since Rin has been back and that Shippo had left to find Kohaku and Kirara.

The village next to Inuyasha Forest has been peaceful up to then with the sudden youkai attacks emerging here and there and…rumors have been stirring in the small village.

Enzeru's smile fell from his face and he turned to where the trail led to Rin's home. His sapphire eyes in deep thought, his hand rubbing his wrist.

At Rin's hut….

Rin sat down on her mattress and faced the opened door, her hand on an obvious bulge on her stomach.

Kagome was sitting next to her, her own hand on her stomach. She looked over at Rin and bit her lip.

"How could you not know you were pregnant Rin," Kagome whispered as she studied the young girl.

Rin's face was expressionless, something she has learned from spending so much time with Sesshomaru.

It was only that morning that Kagome noticed something strange with Rin's figure and then this afternoon, Rin told her that something was wrong. After minutes of questioning, the truth was realized. It was Sango who had confirmed it.

Sango was pacing back and forth in front of them. Rokuro sat behind Kagome and Rin, crawling after his little toy that Enzeru, who was actually a good craftsman, had carved for him three days ago. The small baby was the only one happy in the room, his cooing and gibberish talking was the only thing breaking the thick layer of tension in the room.

"What's strange is that it's showing so soon," Sango said as she looked over at Rin. "Kagome, you're barely showing and you're almost three months along." She threw a glance outside and back to Rin. "Are you sure you're almost two months along?"

Rin nodded curtly at the question, but said no more. Her eyes were staring out the window, her mind trying to comprehend what this could mean.

Sango stopped and crossed her arms. "I didn't show until I was at least past my first trimester. Who's the father Rin?"

Rin's mask broke and she turned her confused gaze to Sango and then Kagome. "What?"

"Who is the father? I mean, this must be when you were still with Sesshomaru and I can't imagine anyone getting near you enough to do that with him around," Kagome said as she turned to Rin.

Rin stared at both of them, in clear shock. "A-anou?"

Sango uncrossed her arms and put them on her hips. "Well, it can't be Sesshomaru! If it was him, he would have at least smelled the baby, least of all send you here with child. Plus," Sango shook her head, her arms falling to her side. "Sesshomaru hates hanyous more than anything, he'll never sire any. I think he still dislikes humans a lot too, excluding you of course."

Rin's face went back into a mask and she turned away from both of them.

"I want to be alone Sango. Kagome."

"But-" Sango started, guilt flashing across her face. She knew she shouldn't have said that.

"Rin-" Kagome said as she reached for the girl.

"Please…" Rin whispered, interrupting their sentences. She moved away from Kagome and stood up, facing away from them.

Sango opened and closed her mouth. A moment passed before she nodded and picked up Rokuro. "We'll see you at dinner, Rin."

Kagome looked over Rin one last time, before she nodded and followed Sango out.

Rin waited until they were no longer in hearing distance before putting her hands over her face. She shook her head and sat down. This can't be, she thought to herself. A weird chocking sound came from somewhere near her until she realized they were coming from her.

Rin lifted her hands away and felt the tears falling from her face. She quickly wiped them away and pulled her legs up to her chest and sat still, her chin on her knees as she tried not to cry.

"No."

Even as she whispered the denial, a feeling of…bliss filled her. She sobbed, but at the same time, smiled. She couldn't help but feel pride and happiness at finding out she was having her lord's child. Pup, she corrected herself as she shook her head and laid her head on her knee.

Tears no longer fell from her face as she thought about the outcome. She closed her eyes. She couldn't possibly leave the village anymore. She raised her head. Rin opened her eyes.

Her hands smoothed over her abdomen. "I'll give you a good home. Someplace where you'll have a family." I don't want you growing up like I did, she thought quietly. Suddenly the idea of having her child…Sesshomaru's child…was something to look forward to.

She stopped and looked down at her stomach. The realization that the baby was Sesshomaru's finally hit her.

Sesshomaru hates hanyous more than anything. Sango's words came back to haunt her and Rin suddenly felt a sharp pain in her heart. She bit her lips and gently circled her arms around her stomach.

"Sesshomaru," Rin whispered as she chocked back a sob. He really was just using me. Rin thought as she felt tears fall from her face again. She shook her head.

Rin stood up. She was confused. Did Sesshomaru really use her? What about the baby? She whipped the tears away and slowly breathed in and out. She had to be calm. Sango always said that the baby feels what the mother feels. Plus she was looking weak, crying here and there.

She remembered how Sesshomaru always told her that she should always be calm and not let emotions overrule her. She breathed in and out, calming herself.

She opened her eyes and looked at the bulge on her stomach. "I hope you won't be as complicated as your father." She sighed and rubbed her belly. "Sango is right though. This is kind of early for you to be showing."

With her head clear, Rin suddenly realized something. She bit her lips and sat back down. She splayed her hand out on her belly. "Do you think it'll be a good idea to tell him." A sad smile came on her face. "He left me though. Maybe he didn't use me…but he still left me. Left us." She thought back to what Sango said about Sesshomaru being able to smell the baby inside of her. "Maybe he knew all along." She closed her eyes, her shoulders shaking. Is that why he left us, she asked herself as she rubbed her stomach.

The more she thought about it, the more she believed that Sesshomaru knew about the baby and…that's why he had left her.

Rin stopped trying to be calm. Her mask broken. She curled up into a ball and she cried for herself and her and Sesshomaru's child.

Inuyasha sat still and watchful as he kept his eyes in distance of Kagome. He wasn't sure still on how he felt about the…pup, but he knew he didn't want anything happening to Kagome. He sighed and rubbed Tessaiga's hilt.

Miroku tried not to laugh at Inuyasha's expression. The monk was sitting crossed legs next to Inuyasha underneath a tree as they both watch their wives playing with the children.

Enzeru was relaxing underneath a shade not far from them, his eyes closed and his right hand next to his swords.

"Hey, Miroku," Inuyasha suddenly said. Miroku turned to Inuyasha and put on his serious mask. "What's it like…you know...being a…" Inuyasha swallowed down a lump. "A father."

Miroku's smiled grew warm as looked over at his children; Rokuro was sitting on a mat next to his sisters, chewing on the wooden toy Enzeru had given him. Tamae and Taka were doing little dances around the baby, making him laugh and giggle. Minaro was nowhere to be found, but he'll be showing up soon to bother his sisters again.

"Well," Miroku leaned down on his knee. "I cannot put this into words. It's…amazing. They are a part of me and the woman of my life." He turned to Inuyasha. "But besides that, I love being their daddy. Though," He laughed. "Sometimes I feel like I want to throw them somewhere and have them there for weeks. Especially Minoru!" Then he smiled. "I love them. Maybe more than I love Sango." Then he slapped Inuyasha's back. "You'll understand soon, Inuyasha."

Inuyasha grunted and shoved his hand away. "Yeah, yeah." Even though he looked annoyed and uncaring, Inuyasha kept close to Miroku's words. He, himself, has never known what a father was.

Miroku was suddenly serious as he turned to Inuyasha. "You know, speaking of fathers…" Inuyasha turned back to Miroku. "Is Rin okay?"

Inuyasha sat up a little, his face narrowing. "Yeah, why?"

"Because," Miroku cleared his throat as he looked around. "Some of the village women-"

Inuyasha sighed. "If you say anything about where they are going to bathe, I'm telling Sango! What happened to 'woman of my life'?"

Miroku rolled his eyes smacked Inuyasha on the head.

"Hey!" The hanyou growled and made the move to stand up.

"Do shut up Inuyasha and listen to me!" Miroku quickly pulled Inuyasha down. He leaned closer to him. "People have been saying that Rin is with child. More exact, Enzeru's child," He whispered angrily into the hanyou's ears.

Inuyasha's ears perked up and he sat up straight and looked over at Miroku with wild eyes. "What!" He stood up and looked over at the man relaxing, but Inuyasha could see the amusement on the man's face.

"Get the fuck up Enzeru! I know you've been listening! What's this I hear about you and Ri- Wait, what!" Inuyasha turned back to Miroku so fast, it sounded like a whip. "Rin's WHAT!?"

Miroku coughed back a laugh and quickly stood up to step away from an angry Inuyasha. Tessaiga was being pulled out and Miroku quickly stopped Inuyasha before the sword could get out from its sheath.

"Calm down Inuyasha!" Miroku whispered as he yanked him down. "My god! It's not Enzeru's! They've only met and the villagers would only know if Rin was showing!"

Inuyasha threw an accusing glance at Miroku as if it was the monk's fault that Rin was pregnant. "She can't be pregnant! I don't even know what I'm going to do with Kagome!"

Inuyasha's voice was lower now, but still angry.

Enzeru walked over to them and knelt down, his swords tied to his side. He had a strange calculating look on his face. "Rin's pregnant?"

Miroku nodded as he studied the man's face. "Yeah, apparently she is…or she's just getting fat." He made a face when he said the last part.

"Hmmm," Enzeru mused out loud as he rubbed his chin. Miroku's searching eyes never left his face.

Inuyasha was fuming now.

"This can't be! Who the hell is the fath-" Inuyasha's face suddenly went blank, shock.

Miroku jumped and shook Inuyasha's shoulders, afraid that the hanyou had gone into shock.

"Inuyasha, Inuyasha!" Miroku shook his shoulder fiercely now, fear crossing his face as Enzeru slowly took a step towards Inuyasha.

"It can't be," Inuyasha whispered as he slowly straightened up, the blank and shock look still on his face. Miroku's hands fell away. Enzeru and Miroku looked at him in confusion.

"Can't be what?" Enzeru asked as he lifted an eye brow at him.

"That fucking hypocrite!" Inuyasha suddenly yelled and was gone in a flash.

Miroku and Enzeru looked after him as he ran towards the trail leading to Rin's hut.

"Who's a hypocrite," Enzeru asked as he turned to Miroku.

Miroku didn't look at him as he said out loud, "Seriously? It can't possibly be—"

"Sesshomaru's!" Inuyasha yelled when he had reached the hut to find Rin sitting on her cot. The young woman was looking down into her hands which had been on top of her stomach.

Rin looked up, startled, her hands covering her stomach protectively. "Inuyasha?!"

Inuyasha could see the bulge even with her small hands covering it. He was breathing hard. "That bastard got you pregnant didn't he!" It wasn't a question.

Rin stiffened. "How-"

"It's obvious! It explains why he looked like he did when I went to get you!"

Rin's eyes widen.

Inuyasha sighed and pulled on his ears. "That bastard looked like he was in actual pain and now I know why! That fucking hypocrite! Always getting on my back about me having our father's blood in my vein and being a hanyou and now he's sired one!"

"Sesshomaru? In pain?"

Inuyasha suddenly realized what he said and fell silent as he looked at Rin and realized that she has been crying. He shifted uneasily, but cleared his throat and looked at her.

"Rin, I don't know what to tell you honestly. It was as much as a surprise to me as it was to you. Hell, that bastard really gave me no choice. It was either to leave you with him and endanger your life or take you away and make sure you're safe. See? Not much of a choice."

Rin's face became confused. "Endanger? Wait, what are you talking about Inuyasha?" She sat up and looked intently at him.

Inuyasha opened and closed his mouth. Dang, he said not to tell her. What should I say? Inuyasha felt like pulling on his ears.

"Ahh," Inuyasha cleared his throat once more. "Well…Rin, that bastard is an idiot…but he had good intensions on sending you back."

"What do you mean by that though?" Rin stood up. "Protection from what! I can take care of myself! I took care of myself before Sesshomaru!"

Inuyasha was surprised by Rin's anger. She was usually very silent and calm, a lot like Sesshomaru.

"Rin…Hear me out, that idiot is doing this for your protection…" He sighed. "I can't tell you… He… He said it'll be best for you not to know and for you to forget him.. Which ha-ha, kind of hard to do now…" Inuyasha looked down at her stomach. "You know… Demon pregnancy only last for six months… Maybe that's why you're showing so early."

Rin blinked. "Six months?" Her hand traveled down.

Inuyasha nodded slowly. "Of course… Looks like tantrums and moodiness comes with it for both species. Thank god you're only going to be like this for six months!" Then he scratched his head. "But, god, both you and Kagome! Sesshomaru left me more than I can handle… Not that I don't mind- I mean…" Inuyasha sighed which merged into a groan as he finally rubbed his ear in irritation.

Rin laughed, she couldn't help but laugh at Inuyasha's total helplessness. This was the hero who killed Naraku, but he gets all flustered over pregnant ladies.

Rin felt her heart lift a little… So he did it for my protection, she thought. She smiled and watched as Inuyasha talk to himself about grouchy pregnant ladies and a certain hypocritical bastard.

She was still angry at Sesshomaru, but… She'll forget about it… For now.

Iko stood still as he looked over at the hill littered with dead demon bodies. The Western Land Banner was still up and the sound youkais cheering could be heard even from where he stood.

Iko was silent as he watched one lone figure standing above the rest, everyone cheering around him. In his hands was the banner of the Northern lands, torn and ripped.

Iko watched as Sesshomaru threw the banner into the fire and listened as more youkais cheered at their lord.

Even from this distance, Iko could see Sesshomaru's head turn away from all the blood and war, into a direction unknown.

The Western lord stood tall and glorious in his war armor, even if it was covered in blood.

He scuffed and teleported to their war camp miles away from the battlefield.

He looked around at the injured and wounded, some dead, some close to death. The sounds of pain creatures filled his ears as he helped give water to an injured youkai closest to him.

"Unfair!" Iko turned to the familiar voice. Iso was surrounded by youkai soldiers, wounded and bleeding. They were intently listening to what he was saying. "That fucking dog has Tenseiga to revive his dead! We have nothing!" Iso pointed all around them. "Look at our brethrens! Dead! For what! We may have lost this battle, but we will win the next! That dog has no chance against us! We have Tohaikai!" He pounded his chest, and the ones who could, did the same, cheering at him.

Iso held the Northern Banner high as more cheers came from around the camp.

Iko watched in silent disgust and turned away to face someone who had been watching him since he entered camp.

Iko bowed his head slightly. "Ino… What are you doing here?"

Ino looked from Iko to Iso, studying her brothers. "Looks like Iso has full confident in you."

Iko spat on the ground and walked past her into his tent, Ino followed him. "Me? That idiot has confident in Tohaikai!" Iko took off his sword and hung it in the middle of the room. The ancient design on it gleamed in the candle light.

Ino stared at the sword. "Why did you not use Tohaikai today? You're kodora wasn't even here today... You know we could have won this battle!"

"Do not tell me how to use my sword!" Iko snarled at her. "Enough has already died!"

"You could have saved thousands of our own soldiers!"

Iko snapped shut at that and turned away. He sat down on a chair facing the door and glowered at his sister.

"Tohaikai will kill thousands of soldiers on both sides."

Ino went up to him. "Then next battle, we'll keep everyone back and let you go alone and use Tohaikai!"

Iko looked away from her. "You would feed me to the dogs?"

Ino glared at him. "If it means that we will win this war, then yes!" She crossed her arms. "You shouldn't even be afraid of dying! One swipe with Tohaikai and you will kill half of their army already! What are you afraid of?!"

Iko said nothing as he looked into his hands. "You understand nothing. Nothing of the importance of life."

Ino threw up her hands. "Life? What does this have to do with war! Death and war are brothers! You are so human Iko! Pathetic and weak! If only Tohaikai chose Iso!"

Iko glared up at her and she staggered backwards at his anger. "Of course I'm human! You and Iso never let me forget that! I am a fucking hanyou and you and Iso are youkais! Tell me something, sister; how are you better than me! I do not want to take anymore lives with this sword!" He took Tohaikai into his hands.

Ino fell to her knees covering her mouth. The demonic power coming from Iko was chocking her. Tohaikai was shaking, along with its wielder, in anger.

Iko calmed down, and Tohaikai stopped shaking. Ino slowly staggered up.
"Get out," Iko growled and when Ino got to the flap, he added. "Do not forget who you work under Ino."

He turned away and held Tohaikai in his hands.

"Damn you Sesshomaru… What I would give to have a sword to save the dead…" His voice trailed off. He sat down in his chair and placed Tohaikai in front of him, stabbing the sheath into the ground. "You are known for all the lives you have taken. The chaos you created." He touched the hilt. "You don't want to kill anymore, do you Tohaikai." The sword felt warm in his hands as if agreeing. "Neither do I." He closed his eyes and leaned into the sword. "I wish…I was human. Bring me the weakness and the death. What I'll give though…to have lived normally with her." He clenched his teeth. "Damn you Sesshomaru. Because of you, we lost her."

He opened his eyes and pulled back and looked at Tohaikai. "A life for a life."

He closed his eyes and leaned back. "My Emi. Your kodora grew up to be a good man, just like you wanted. He misses you. I miss you." His fist clenched. "I'll avenge you even if it means going against him." He was silent for a bit before saying quietly into the empty air, "Sesshomaru, forgive me."

A single tear fell from his cheek.


Disclaimed: INUYASHA IS NOT MINE! -.- I REPEAT - NOT MINE. Belongs to R.T.