Chapter 26: The power of love ALL kinds (Siblings…) and the wings of pain
Authors note: I am SOOOOO sorry that I have taken so long to get started, however I will devote almost all my time on this chapter just for those of you who reviewed and I was so absorbed in other things to get back to this. But here I am fully devoted fully refreshed from my mental resting. I am so excited where to begin what to do… you all should know you have about as much clue as to what's going as I do. I mean I know what I am going to HAVE happen the possible twists I will decide from however I have no plans or ideas, I write better that way. Thank you for reading and sticking through even though I was going through a rough patch, and super thanks to those who reviewed.
Sesshomaru passed through wondering about what had happened to Rin, whether she was being fitted for her wedding dress. Or was she thinking about him? Was she planning for her wedding? Or was she dreaming of him by her side. Was his Rin possibly torn between him and another? Or was her heart fully his?
The ground had been a crispy golden color where few green sprouts shot out still full of life. It was like Rin even through the storms and being trampled… she stood still young vibrant. Her sweet smile came to his mind and he cringed when he thought of all the time he brought tears to those warm calming brown eyes. Why was he so cold? How could he have pushed her away so long not taking it seriously until the possibility of other men or youkai came into the picture? At time he thought perhaps it would be best for his human ward to take on a husband and raise a family, but with time her unending devotion and loyalty he could not let her go. He would not admit to that at first, then again how could he? To proclaim that he indeed after saying he would never love again let alone accept a human in any way like that would be out of the question. So he cut her off emotionally, but he couldn't help with more time together as well as the possibility of losing to someone he didn't see as better then him out raged him.
How did I let this happen. Fool this Sesshomaru is, he growled under his breath as he walked through the forest feeling uneasy as he let himself slip into a unapparent sadness. Even in some of his deepest darkest most depressed moment Sesshomaru would show very little IF any emotions at all. Only in private would he show them to those he could feel safe letting, uncomfortably, loose of these so very well guarded emotions. Why didn't I see it coming? How could I be so foolish to think no one would love her? It's Rin, she caught this Sesshomaru's eye and then breath. Even if she is nothing extraordinary… she is Rin and doesn't need to be. Now she will be gone, but at least if I die I will die for a noble cause. For Rin… he caught a whiff of something that pulled him from his tormenting and punishing thoughts.
"Come out of hiding, come where I can see you," Sesshomaru said coolly as well as calmly. He had been expecting this youkai, a messenger he had hired long ago. The cheetah demon walked out with light yellow skin and long light and dark brown hair and little yellow and polka dotted ears on top of his head. He wore a yellow outfit which consisted of a yellow hakama and a sleeveless shirt which looked like a kimono only cut down in certain ways. Made specially for his fast and flawless speed and movement. He needed to move freely and heavy or too loose of clothing would infringe on that.
"I have the news you desire," the cheetah youkai bowed to the inuyoukai lord. Sesshomaru bowed back knowing he was very providential to have this type of rare youkai in those parts serving him. They were very faithful, devoted, and hard working… a rare breed MOST especially in that area. Most of those regions were ruled by Inuyoukai's, although those breeds were slowly dieing out themselves with the Naraku sending everyone in a frenzy attacking others trying to gain more land and more slaves to sacrifice. It was a sad thing, but he cared nothing for it… not like Rin did. Even though she shouldn't. It was none of their business, it didn't interfere The Western Lands. When such happened, he would take matters into his own hands.
"What news do you have for me Hayai," he said standing with grace and power. The cheetah demon did not fear Sesshomaru, and in fact he rather enjoyed the stoic lord… he had none enough of him and met him with a few times. He could sense those who would attempt in deceiving him, he knew this lord was on a mission for love… he could sense her all over him. His nose as most cheetah youkai's were way more sensitive.
"Naraku stills stirs in his castle he has not yet sensed your presence. However he has sent men out close by where you left behind the back up. He sent three youkai, two were middle class and one was upper class. They are heading for a traveling bunch deep in the forest," Hayai said looking at him reading the worry on his face.
"Did you get names descriptions?" Sesshomaru asked hastily growling unnecessarily at the cheetah youkai.
"No names just that their a group of five woman, and six men well five and then a youkai boy," Hayai said quickly making Sesshomaru sigh.
"Rin would be alone with just her hand made and possibly that foolish hanyou soldier," Sesshomaru snarled slightly at the word. Although he had grown more accustomed to them, he still had a harboring dislike for the kind.
"What if others traveled with her?" Hayai made a good point.
"When did they leave? Did you know where?" Sesshomaru sighed wanting to get there to at least clear his conscious.
"They left a little before I sir it took me nearly seven hours to get here to warn you I have no idea where they have progressed my lord. However they were heading in the same direction as I. OH and they were in a mighty hurry they were following the one with wings, he had ran into them before and was showing them to the general location," Hayai said bowing feeling horrible, "but I shall accompany and help you further."
"That is not necessary you have a home to return your debt has been paid your families allegiance is no longer mandatory. You are no longer held to the life long debt your family has been paying off to us Hayai too many of your faithful breed has died, no more of you should die. Naraku would find too much joy in it," Sesshomaru said before turning around and slowly making his way away from the shocked youkai. Was that it? Was his family really free?
"Lord Sesshomaru!" Hayai hollered to Sesshomaru who had been some what of a friend throughout his life time. He had even met Rin on several occasions and liked her more then any the woman Sesshomaru had ever encountered. Especially now that she had grown up, there meetings were never many. Throughout his life time he had been called on by Sesshomaru thirty five times in the life time of debt his family owed him.
"What is it Hayai?" Sesshomaru asked not turning to stare at the young future youkai lord.
"Call upon the cheetah clan whenever you need an ally. You have done much for my family and country. Good luck," Kayai nodded his respect for the great lord. Sesshomaru turned to glance on him, and there certainly was no smile… but he gave a small courteous nod before turning back to his mission.
That cheetah demon had a better nose then even Sesshomaru… and he could sense that something very bad was brewing. Sesshomaru was still going to need him. So either he could return to his home as he was freely given the demand, he preferred to say option out of pride, or follow and help Sesshomaru once more to feel his task was TRULY complete.
--
Rin stopped nearly running into Sagoe with her horse, they were all tired the sun would lower soon. They were in a very tight nit line. Kagome and Inuyasha took the lead side by side, Soton next to his sister Sagoe, Rin uncomfortably next Halder Gracie and Vin, and Miroku and Sango took up the rear. Shippo was out keeping an eye out for things, though really he just didn't like horses. They were much bigger then him, and just… didn't seem right.
"What's that smell?" Sagoe asked wrinkling her nose making her Soton laugh and shake his head.
"I think you are still delirious my sister," Soton chuckled at his sisters dispense. Sagoe shot him a very angry youkai look that made Soton turn his head knowing he embarrassed his poor sister.
"Your sister is right Soton we should be prepared. Call back your kitsune before he meets an unkind visitor," Halder said pulling his horse to a halt. Most horses would have been spooked by the demonic powers of the demons, but these horses were special… raised and trained around demons. Pulled from their mothers at a young age and cared for by demons, Halder had a fancy at taming things… he wanted things that weren't meant to be his. Some how he just had a habit of doing such things, the things that intrigued him the most… unfortunately for Rin. She was a hobby for him herself.
"Shippo can handle himself," Inuyasha snorted walking beside Kagome not wanting to be on top of no stupid beast. He was afraid that any moment it might spook and hurt his beloved pregnant Kagome.
"Inuyasha what if he cant this time," Kagome pleaded looking at him with bubbly eyes.
"Ohhh damn it Kagome! SHIPPO!" Inuyasha yelled after growling at her. Shippo came scuttling back but not at Inuyasha's call.
"InuyaSSHHAA," Shippo squeaked looking back as two demons raced through after him.
"What's wrong Shippo can't use your great fox powers on lowly demons?" Inuyasha snorted taunting the kid.
"There is TWO of them if you hadn't noticed Inuyasha," he said his name as if it were a naughty word and taunting the poor hanyou with it. Inuyasha just glared at Shippo as he jumped for Kagome's leg and scurried up as Inuyasha began to grin.
"Feh! Piece of cake," Inuyasha said walking forward and pulling out Tesusaiga. The first demon laughed and gurgled pleased at what he found, "you want a piece of me huh?"
"Inuyasha don't taunt it! Kill it!" Kagome yelled pulling out her bow and placing and arrow in it. She released the arrow yet they were able to dodge it. One was a hyena demon with furry skin and a silly uncontrollable laugh. His tongue was long and hung unattractively, he wore tight cloth pants to fit his odd shaped legs. The other was more of a lizard demon, his skin was green and he was built like a human man… minus ears. His skin was not fleshy like a humans, it was more of a bubbly some parts scaly texture… and it's face crumpled in with rivets and bulges that looked liked filed down horns.
"Ahhh!" Soton yelled pulling out his sword and charging his horse at the lizard slicing into one of the demons while Inuyasha was getting ready set off an attack. The one who was not cut sliced at him pulling him from the horse which instinctively ran back to the safety of his herd. Shippo grabbed the reins to hold it still as Sagoe called out.
"SOTON!" Sagoe screamed kicking her horse harder then needed getting the mare to take off with great speed.
"Soton! Sagoe no…" Rin said frantically as Soton grabbed his bleeding side trying to fend off the laughing hyena drooling its nasty saliva on him as it snapped at him when ever his sword fell from the pain in his side.
"SAGOE!" Halder acted instinctively for his former best friend. He charged his horse after Sagoe who was nearing her failing brother. Reaching out he grabbed her reins turning her. Sagoe smacked at him.
"That's my brother!!" Sagoe screamed as Halder let go and charged the demons hating the smell of her tears.
Damn it Soton… she can't lose anyone else. Damn it Sagoe, I don't think I could lose you… he thought as he let out a battle cry flinging his sword not letting out a attack afraid of harming his mount and Soton. The lizard spat Halder hitting in the chest making him fly off his horse.
"Foolsss," a familiar hiss came from the bushes. He sprung out at Halder laying painfully on the ground already becoming paralyzed.
"NO!" Sagoe cried unable to take what could happen, "SOMEBODY!"
"Sesshomaru," Rin cried feeling so hopeless as Inuyasha was about to let loose his attack.
"Inuyasha NO!! You'll kill them!" Kagome screamed making Sagoe look to them hopelessly. Rin pulled out her sword it was specially made for her and it was one with her. Sesshomaru had it made for her, very light and easy to transport on her.
"Damn you Sesshomaru," she hissed for leaving her as she squeezed Ingwë, her horse's preferred name, and let him give her a jolting speed. It was their time to prove their worth, "we are not just some tag along or extra burden we are useful! Let's show them what we've practiced! What we've got!"
The horse snorted in agreement throwing its head up calling into the wind the huge gray dappled stallion gleamed under the sun almost a blue gray color as he charged snorting as Rin held her sword against the pressure pushing back against her. The hyena laughed licking it's lips swinging it's blade at them. Rin hadn't expected him to throw a boomerang type of blade.
Oh shit Rin thought for the first time worrying closing her eyes feeling her horse moving regardless beneath her. But something chimed in her telling her not to worry almost a soft voice whispering to her calmly… a deep manly voice. Rin opened her eyes just as her leaped perfectly into the air over the moving missile a height Rin hadn't really been prepared for. If Ingwë hadn't moved the way he did to keep her on and nearly trip himself she would have face planted the earth probably breaking her neck. Sagoe had gasped holding her hands too her face. Rin grasped his hair holding her sword high giving off a battle cry as she sliced at the snake making him gasp as he was about to devour the prince who lay their limply his body shudder to fight off the venom which would surely have killed a human. The snake squirmed flopping around as Rin swung her sword releasing a blast of blue fire that was making it squeal and hit the ground repeatedly making the earth shake.
"You stupid wench you don't know who you've messed with," the Lizard hissed and within second his tongue was out and around her waist pulling her off the horse and to the ground painfully making her scream out.
"Rin!" several people screamed out. Even Soton fought his wound to get to her. Kagome pulled out another arrow shooting it while it wasn't paying attention it squirmed as Rin and half of his tongue fell to the floor. Rin grabbed her stomach feeling the stinging acid burning through her close and getting her skin. She quickly ripped it away revealing her midsection as inappropriate as her lord would say that was it was indeed necessary. Rin screamed out feeling the pain as wiped the excess off before it could do any more damage. Rin grabbed her sword and ran to Soton as Sango jumped off letting her Hiraikotsu fly through the air knocking back the hyena demon making him growl at her. Miroku leaped off ready to defend his wife as it blocked her second attack with his own weapon before throwing it at them. Miroku quickly opened his void before the bee youkai that usually helped in Naraku's schemes flew out of the trees.
"Naraku…" Sango said as the demons weapon slipped into his air void, "damn it! It's a trap!"
"Rin!" Shippo squeaked seeing something coming their direction. Was it Naraku himself? Was today the day they were going to face Naraku? Possibly their last day?
Rin cried out as she felt something stick into her back. A blade the hyena demon had a spare blade, which it sliced through her back. Rin stumbled forward placing her hand on her back feeling the thick fresh blood run out of the pulsing throbbing wound.
"Why?" Rin cried looking into the sky, "would this happen. What did we do to deserve this?"
Scream came from all around as the hyena went on to attack the Miroku and his group as Inuyasha held off the lizard who spat at him making it hard for Inuyasha to get attack in. He heard Kagome's screams as they were forces to scatter, they all abandoned the horses as Shippo was given the job to take them along with Gracie and Vin and hide. Keep their mounts and the older folks safe.
"Kagome!" he yelled out as the Hyena sliced through her as she turned to look at Inuyasha moving towards Sango blocking her attack and catching her chest not enough to do more then barely open it before getting her from the back slicing her as well. He was so fast for the mortals that he stabbed his sword through Miroku pulling out. Miroku fell down beside his wife waiting for the youkai to finish them off. Rin's eyes filled with tears… she was the reason they were out there. It was her fault they were being slaughtered. Inuyasha was being distracted and was hit with the acid which didn't bother Inuyasha he was strong. Rage built up in him he released his attack on him there was no one behind the stupid demon, "AH!!" he screamed feeling everything inside him boiling. He needed to get to Kagome she was on the ground which was covered with blood mixed between Kagome, Sango, and Miroku. The hyena demon laughed victoriously looking down at Miroku… he was taunting his victims. They knew it was the end, he just wanted them to fear him as he drew their last breaths, "Wind Scar!!"
Rin got up running against the pain at the hyena approaching quietly behind Inuyasha slowly lifting his blade as the lizard was being taken down by Inuyasha's sword power. Rin sliced at the air sending a wave of pulsing blue flames that only attacked the hyena before cutting through it and then taking it's head off. Inuyasha nodded to her before taking off to the hill where his friend where Halder was slowly starting to the feel back in his body more and more Sagoe sat nursing him. She had no weapons nothing to fend them off as she pulled both her brother and the prince out of the way without the lizard knowing so Inuyasha could properly deal with him.
Sesshomaru Rin swallowed falling to her knee as grasped as her back feeling the blood soaked shirt and the wound which was still bleeding. She could barely keep her balance on her knees the pain was just so great. She could see Sesshomaru in her mind and slowly thought she saw him walking out of the clearing of the forest into their field of grass. She could see the long swaying hair and his beautiful face, but soon her lord was not there… and in her place was a familiar man with long black hair and a bare chest. He walked down the hill look her in the eyes as if talking to her. Comeeee… come to me. It hypnotized her taking away the pain giving her glimpses of Sesshomaru. I will spare their pathetic lives Rin… just come with me… he said as she slowly stood to her feet looking back at the ground. Kagome lay in Inuyasha's arms as he let silent sobs out. Miroku lay on Sango's barely able to sit up lap as her own blood slowly mixed with her husbands. Sagoe sat with her brother and prince Halder. Don't look back… he whispered in her head. Rin turned and started walking towards him. Inuyasha turned to look at her.
"Wait! What the hell!" Inuyasha yelled as Kagome coughed praying for her baby. Rin looked back at them.
"Tell him I love him! And I'm sorry… I'm doing this for," she began to sniffle as she looked at them. The demon was at her side to make sure she did hesitate.
"No he'll finish us off if I let you go!" Inuyasha yelled cradling Kagome.
"He will if I don't go with!" Rin yelled as he jerked her into his arms before sprouting wings and taking off into the sky. Inuyasha cussed furiously as the black winged creature took off with his half brothers love.
"Damn it," Inuyasha said softly with nothing but the smell of blood surrounding him and all he could do was let loose, "DAMN IT!!"
"Inu… yasha," Kagome sputtered looking at him as tears fell from his eyes onto her cheeks.
"I didn't come this far to lose you," Inuyasha said hiding his eyes with his long hair, "damn it Kagome… damn it. Don't… even think about leaving."
"Inuyasha," she whimpered feeling the pain going cold.
--
Rin felt fear as she let go of her grip on the bird demon hoping she would fall and die. How did this man always charm her? Why did she go? Why did she not fight him herself? All she knew was she was afraid and she was sure that terror hadn't even really begun for her. Rin kicked off a shoe trying to leave a scent trail with out the man with the wings realizing so, and then kicking the other off before letting small things go like pieces of her kimono she would rip off.
--
What the hell? Why do I smell blood? It's so heavy and rich… perhaps I am too late and the group is now nothing but cold corpses. Sesshomaru's gaze turned from left to right as he walked through the trees further and further looking in every direction before the smell got stronger and familiar. He speeded up seeing the clearing of the forest as he ran through it and saw two separate groups. My half brother? His wife… but they were. Halder? How… Soton and his sister? RIN.
"Where is she?" Sesshomaru growled down by Sagoe and Soton within a second making her scream not knowing it was him. She tried to catch her breath as he stood there in front of here breathing heavy and lividly, "WHERE IS RIN!"
"Gone," Soton choked revealing his wound, "we were attacked. Some how they found us."
"YOU FOOLS! You were to PROTECT her keep her in the castle!" he growled snatching at the boys collar making Sagoe squeal in fear of the great inuyoukai.
"Please don't hurt him!" she screamed getting onto her knees and bowing repeatedly.
"Who are you and what are you doing here?" Sesshomaru growled tossing the boy painfully back onto the ground.
"I am sorry lord Sesshomaru it is my fault she is here I fuel her passion to find you," she said nearly letting slip her love in front of the still partially immobilized Halder. Sagoe went grab at her but Soton got in the way, "she was going to kill herself!"
"What?" Sesshomaru stopped his rage slowly melting his red eyes slowly turning back to his golden ones, "why?"
"She believed that would be the last time she would see you," she whispered so only he could hear. Sesshomaru nodded once before sitting onto his knees.
"Rin," he sighed softly his hand on his thigh as he slumped in defeat, "I don't know exactly where his castle is… I may not find her in time."
"Do not lose hope my lord," Sagoe said cradling the prince in her arm and lap and her other on her brother.
"He doesn't deserve you," Sesshomaru said nodding to Halder not sure what had happened or even cared. He got up and turned around walking towards his brother who sat there with his wife, "is everyone still alive?"
"Why do you care you bastard! This is what I get for watching over that human girl!" Inuyasha yelled as Kagome murmured in his lap.
"Because I understand your feelings I will let you get away with that once little brother. But I need… some assistance," Sesshomaru demanded instead of asked.
"No way in hell!" Inuyasha yelled, "I'm not about to leave my wife to fucking help YOU!"
"We will take her to where the camps are, all of them… if any should die I swear whether things turn out the way I plan that I will bring any and all of them back," Sesshomaru said desperate and surprised he would even ask his brother this no matter how much closer they had been since the begging. There was still a little rivalry… things that got tucked way down, "just… help me get to Naraku in good fighting condition and I can do the rest. Then take Rin and get out… I will give you my Tenseiga which WILL be returned to me if, after I get out."
Kagome, Inuyasha thought as he looked down at her and a low growl escaped, "only because I want to get revenge am I taking that deal, brother," he said as if he were mocking the title, "but if you don't keep your promise…"
"Don't make any promises, LITTLE brother, that would jeopardize our current circumstances. I don't want to have to kill you," Sesshomaru growled making Inuyasha smirk.
"FEH I guess you've grown," he snarled a insult making Sesshomaru lower his eyes never before actually, slightly, enjoying having a little sibling rivalry the bickering and insults… and name calling. After awhile it wasn't total torture and he thought maybe someday they could actually get along like a family Heh doubt it Sesshomaru thought glaring at his brother.
"At least someone has," he said falling into the game.
"Yeah but you got all softened up over a GIRL," Inuyasha mocked him as he stroked Kagome's hair.
"Heh look whose talking… you have tear streaks through the dirt and blood little brother. You shouldn't let your tears escape at least in public little brother. Crying is for woman and children," Sesshomaru spat, "and the weak."
"Feh a least I HAVE heart worthy of having love to let a tear escape when your lover is dying. You are just heartless," Inuyasha scowled showing his sharp teeth.
"How dare you!" Sesshomaru growled almost radiating a new hatred. Apparently Inuyasha struck the nerve he wanted to cause he gained a smile before remembering Kagome was in need of some attention to save the baby, "hurry and get your wife and then come help me collect the others. Where are those stupid human mounts?"
Authors note: Now how was THAT was it at least some what worthy of the long wait? Or was I disappointing? What did you like? What did you not? Just don't um be TOOOO harsh… I am very sensitive. However it is 3:38 Am and I want to get this up so I will not proof read as usual. I am so lazy I know… I need to start doing that. Anywho thanks much guys!