With Or Without You
A/n: Hello all! Well this chapter was, to put it bluntly, a bitch to write. I couldn't ever get a version of it I liked, and I'm still uneasy about this one, but I think that if I try and perfect it any more I'll just make a huge mess. SO! Here it is and review comments as well. Enjoy!
Nilee: No there isn't, but alas, our dear Sesshomaru is changing a bit thanks to Rin.
Mmoirai: Why thank you so much! I'm glad you love this story so much!
The Kaizeress: Yes, this fight isn't too dramatic b/c I think I kind of suck at fighting scenes, but I hope this one is okay!
Chranze: Yes, I think we all might want him dead...but I pity the poor guy too.
Kalana Fox: Lol, yes I am evil with cliffhangers and if you hate them...I'm afraid you might not like this chapter, lol.
ZeRO: M'dear, you read my mind with your review. That's pretty much EXACTLY what happens in this chapter!
Skye: Wow, thanks. I'm glad that Kisho and Roiyaru's conversation wasn't boring or anything. Thank you for the nice review!
Cassie1: Here you go, darling! Another chapter that I hope you like!
heymary: New chapter, I hope you like it. Thanks for the review!
HawkAngel XD: Thanks for your always faithful reviews, dear! Hope you like this chapter!
Angels Heart: Yes, he can be. He's kind of wising up in this chapter...sorta...lol.
rosesbleedto: Lol, don't worry, I wouldn't dream of killing precious Inuyasha. He's just a lil roadblock, that's all. I'm sorry it took so long to update! Hopefully my next will be shorter!
BrucesGirl: Thanks for your awesome review, and like I've said in my reviews to you, I just absolutely love your story and plan on reading more of it tonight! I envy your ability to be so very creative with new characters and how fluidly you can keep your plot going! You just simply rock, lol.
Darkshrinemaiden: Thanks for the review. You know, I didn't actually get to see the 3rd Inuyasha movie till like two or three weeks ago, so when I saw it, I was like "Wow...this is kind of like their relationship." So it's cool that someone else noticed that, and it's kind of ironic that Sesshomaru hated his daddy for that and now he's going through the same thing, lol.
SweetyPieRin: Lol, your review just made me laugh so much! I too thought the scene with everyone and their kiddies was cute too, lol. Yes, he is a lil pissed off. I hope you like this chappie!
Inuyasha'swife15: Well I'm sorry to hear that about your mom, but I hope that this will make you a lil bit happier, lol. Thanks for the review dear!
Sesshomaru's Bitch: OMG, what a flattering review! Thank you so, so much! Yes, the end is coming soon and I promise it will be good.
Chapter Fourteen
What Fools These Mortals Be!
>
Inuyasha pulled out Tetsusaiga and caught the brutal force of Sesshomaru's Toukijin. The two swords clanged against one another loudly, sending sparks flying at each other. Inuyasha dug his heels into the soft earth beneath him, pushing with all his strength against Sesshomaru.
Sesshomaru kept his face calm as his brother grimaced against the surprisingly rough attack.
'Weak Inuyasha?' he thought smugly. He could almost hear his brother's fast heartbeat, racing just as his was.
Sesshomaru needed a fight. He had a lot of pent up emotions in him and Inuyasha was the perfect person to take them out on. He could feel that insistent pull to go to Rin still eating away at him, but it could wait just a bit.
Sesshomaru leapt back, pushing back against Inuyasha who stumbled a few feet backwards. He smirked as Inuyasha had to regain his balance, feeling that familiar rush of energy at the sight of his enemy staggering.
Feet away Natsu gripped at the hem of Miroku's sleeve as he, while resembling his father terribly, glared at the tall man now swinging at his father.
"Why doesn't he like my dad?" he asked Miroku innocently, his big brown eyes turning upward towards the taller man.
Miroku leaned down and shrugged, his eyes growing softer at the boy's truly curious expression. "It's very complicated Natsu. I don't believe I'm the one to explain it to you."
He watched as the little boy frown in frustration, turning away from him to watch his father and uncle continue to swing at each other.
Sesshomaru quickly lunged back at Inuyasha again. The two clashed once again, each grunting to themselves as they tried to simply use brute force to push against each other.
They broke off once again, sending each other back in opposite directions.
Inuyasha snarled, gripping his beloved sword tighter. He could feel his claws sinking into the tough skin of his palm, but ignored it as he and Sesshomaru circled one another.
The warm heat of the afternoon was now pressing down upon them each, causing sweat to trail down the sides of their cheeks. Each ignored it, Sesshomaru now squinting against the hot sun as it dipped lower into the western horizon.
Each brother kept eye contact. Inuyasha's breathing was now fast and quick while Sesshomaru kept his under control, despite the excitement running through them both.
Inuyasha suddenly charged at his brother, yelling out loudly.
Sesshomaru countered his attack, swinging back at him in silence. The two siblings went off on each other, sweeping madly at one another as they grew more and more irritated at the equality of their fight.
"Why hasn't Inuyasha used the Wind Scar or something yet?" asked Sango quietly, looking away from the fight as she handed her quiet daughter over to Miroku, now placing her delicate hand upon the small swell of her belly.
Kagome, readjusting the baby on her hip, scowled slightly before a small smile came across her face. She let out a small puff of air that had been building up within her since the beginning of the fight.
"I don't think Sesshomaru wants to hurt Inuyasha," she whispered finally.
Sango's eyes grew and she glanced back to the fight. The two were audibly cursing one another, but neither tried to use any attack that would give them the upper hand. In fact, they appeared to be merely toying with one another then actually trying to harm each other.
She turned back to Kagome who was grinning quite happily to herself for observing such a thing.
"Why? I thought they hated each other!"
"Look at Sesshomaru...something's different about him," commented Miroku, now watching the two next to them, Natsu faithfully at his side.
Sango turned, as did Kagome.
They watched Sesshomaru.
His movements were as controlled as could be. Fluid as ever, especially compared to the uncontrollable, volatile Inuyasha who was quickly whacking away at his brother as Sesshomaru smoothly dodged him, occasionally hitting back just to push Inuyasha back a few feet.
His face was as passive as ever, neither showing emotion nor effort. He almost looked like a cobra that Sango had once seen from a traveler in her village years ago. He swayed back and forth, almost taunting and teasing the man before him, as the snake had the charmer.
Could it be that he were just innocently passing by and just happened to come across Inuyasha? Now that she thought of it, Sesshomaru hadn't appeared to be on the prowl for a fight. In fact, he seemed quite concerned with something totally opposite of them.
"I don't think it was his intention to fight Inuyasha today," commented Miroku as if he had read his wife's mind.
Kagome turned to Miroku before turning back to the sparring brothers. "I think you're right, Miroku. Look at them! They barely even yelled at each before this started. Last time was a bit more serious, but..."
"Sesshomaru has somewhere else to be," finished Sango.
"He's just too proud to pass up a fight with Inuyasha," added Miroku, glancing down as Natsu flinched at a rather brutal hit his father received.
>
Roiyaru led his horse slowly through the small patch of forest, his eyes set upon the open fields before him. The afternoon sunlight was shining brightly through the trees, casting shadows across the tired man's face.
Beyond those fields lay Rin's village.
His eyes solemnly looked about the woods, his heart heavy and his mind numb.
He had thought and rethought everything over and over again at least a dozen times each. He felt nauseous and tired, yet he had to keep going. Surely that youkai was now heading towards Rin, and Roiyaru knew that he would not stand a chance against a creature who had done such things to Kisho's army, but he could at least get to Rin first and reason with her.
And if needed, he would defend her at all costs.
He felt a small tug at his horse's reins and he stopped to let the poor animal, who was probably ten times more tired than he, graze upon a small patch of grass.
He sat down beside it, patting it's side appreciatively as he felt his body ache and groan at the torture he was putting it through.
He leaned forward and ran his hands through his unruly mass of hair that had not been tamed in days. He could only imagine what he looked like. If it were half as bad as how he felt right now, he knew he would appear close to death.
He leaned back against a nearby tree and let the silence of the forest surround him. Beside him, his horse grunted happily, munching away as he slowly made his way through the fresh grass.
Roiyaru looked away from the beast and let out a small sigh, closing his eyes slowly. He could feel sleep overpowering him and with the way his breathing began to slow, he knew it was something he could not fight.
Just for a while, he would sleep.
But then he heard it.
Faintly at first, but as he listened, it became more definite.
The clanging of swords...
He sat up with a jolt, his curiosity flaring up.
Perhaps it were only some simple farmers, arguing over a cow. Or maybe just some young teens, sparring with one another.
Whatever it was, Roiyaru knew it were coming from the direction he must travel. At first, his initial reaction was to try and find a different way around them, but then it hit him.
What if they were something like bandits, preparing to attack Rin's village?
His thoughts were wild and out there, but he was exhausted and weak. Whatever first entered his mind was what he would act upon.
So being the hotheaded youth that Kisho had presumed him to be, he straddled his horse and took off towards the sounds, his heart racing and last ounces of adrenaline pumping.
>
Inuyasha glared at his brother as they tangled themselves up once again, pushing against each other with everything they could.
"What's bothering you, Sesshomaru? You're acting strange," he muttered between clenched teeth.
Sesshomaru's eyes flashed, but he restrained the sudden urge to yell out.
"Are you concerned half-breed?" he snapped back, his emotional guard flaring up immediately.
Inuyasha snorted, noticing his brother's suddenly evident emotional restraint. "Hardly. You're just not fighting like you did before. I'm a little disappointed."
Sesshomaru pushed harder, making Inuyasha take a step back. "Speak for yourself. You haven't used any of your tricks yet."
Inuyasha smirked. "I'm just getting warmed up."
>
Roiyaru hopped off of his horse just as he reached the outer rim of the forest. He led his horse once more out into the bright fields. The warm summer heat pounded upon him, yet he felt nothing. He was too tired to feel anything now.
His eyes were centered on the hill his horse were ascending. The heavy clop, clop of the horse's stride were the only thing keeping his body upright. He could feel his excitement and anxiety growing, but his body was trying its hardest to fall asleep.
He leaned forward and felt his intestines twist within him at the sight he saw when reaching the peak of the grassy hill.
Down below two demons were battling. Silver hair, one a silky, fine mane, the other a thick, full mass...golden eyes, glaring somewhat playfully at each other...youkai...
Roiyaru felt as if tons of cold water had been poured upon him at the sight of these two. They were intimidating to say the least, and yet, he still knew not of what Sesshomaru looked like.
He could be either of the two.
One of them was rather elegant in his movements. Each step was precise and perfect, his face so very blank. His counterpart was full of emotion, his clothes rather awkward considering they were like none Roiyaru had ever seen.
He looked over to the right and saw a group of what appeared to be humans, simply standing by, watching.
'If I can slip by and ask them which of these youkai is Sesshomaru, perhaps I can go on to Rin's village without being stopped,' thought Roiyaru quickly, licking his chapped lips as he quickly jabbed his heels into the sides of his horse.
>
Sesshomaru had smelled the scent of the human before he had come across the hillside, yet he felt no threat from the man. He appeared to be a lonely, beaten down soldier and Sesshomaru knew that if he were wise, he would stay away from the battling brothers.
Still, even as he chased after Inuyasha, he kept the man within sight.
For some reason, something was telling him to stop and attack the man, yet he couldn't figure out why. He had never smelled that scent before. It was just some lowly human, finding some sort of entertainment, he supposed, in their fight.
"Damn you, Sesshomaru," hissed Inuyasha as he got up from the ground, his eyes piercing his brother's after being knocked down once again.
Sesshomaru smirked.
He had a feeling that his brother and he had made some sort of silent packed to simply spar with one another, not to draw blood today.
Yet still, the hair on his neck was tingling and his heart racing. He still had that instinct to be on the edge and keep his guard up when his beloved brother were around.
Sesshomaru really never knew how to explain his relationship with Inuyasha. It was just what it was. Take it or leave it.
What he did know at the moment, was that the sooner he finished, the sooner he could run to Rin.
He growled suddenly at the mere sound of his own thoughts.
'Pathetic!' he snapped to himself before knocking Inuyasha down once again, a bit rougher than before.
>
Kagome looked up as she saw a young man, somewhat similar in appearance to Miroku, approaching.
She elbowed Sango silently and in turn, Miroku looked to the youth as he rode up to them.
"Hello there," he greeted warmly. A beautiful smile spread across his thin lips and the sudden likeliness of Miroku could be seen. His eyes were kind, yet something were significant about him that Kagome couldn't put her finger on.
"Hello. Can we help you?" asked Kagome.
Roiyaru found it odd, not only by the way she were dressed, but how calm and relaxed this woman was while two fierce youkai fought only yards from her. She bounced the baby in her arms casually and almost appeared to be humming.
He then looked to the child in her arms and frowned.
Did the baby belong to one of the creatures fighting? His sudden frown did look like the matching scowls yards away.
Roiyaru pulled his gaze from the golden eyed baby and grinned back to Kagome.
'My God she looks like Rin,' he thought suddenly.
Before he could say another word though, Kagome's face fell and she cried out, "Inuyasha!"
Roiyaru's gaze followed hers and found the taller of the two standing above the other, sword pointed at his brother's chest with a menacing glare upon his face.
"Stay back, Kagome!" yelled back Inuyasha, his eyes never leaving the piece of metal at his throat.
Sesshomaru smirked, his golden eyes darker than ever as he peered down the silky smooth blade of his Toukijin. "This position seems familiar does it not, Inuyasha?" he asked dryly.
Inuyasha snarled, his upper lip curling in disgust.
"Shut up, Sesshomaru."
Roiyaru gasped.
In a way, he had a gut instinct that it were him, but still he did not want to believe it.
"That's Sesshomaru?" he asked, louder than he had expected.
Sesshomaru's head whipped to look at the human. Why would he care who he was?
Then it dawned on him.
What if that worthless whelp of a mortal were Roiyaru, Rin's fiancee?
His eyes narrowed with a deadly gaze upon his face and Roiyaru visibly flinched as those golden orbs turned upon him.
Inuyasha took this as his only chance and in a clear sweep, kicked Sesshomaru's feet out from below him.
Sesshomaru stumble to the ground, his anger more intent upon the boy than his brother. He turned to Inuyasha and snarled. "Damn it, you're always interfering half-breed!"
Inuyasha quirked an ebony brow in question and asked brashly, "What the hell are you talking about?"
Roiyaru took the kick from Inuyasha as his cue to leave, and in a flash, he took off. "Yah!" he cried out, forcing his horse to sprint the final few miles to the village.
His heart was racing and he could feel sweat pouring down his cheeks as the cool breezes made him shiver.
It was madness to fall in love with a beast such as that! His glare had sent shivers down Roiyaru's spine still and he could only wonder if that bastard would ever look at his beloved Rin in such a way.
He glanced over his shoulder to find the brother's fighting once again and gulped in air as he continued on. Hopefully the other youkai known as Inuyasha could keep him at bay a few minutes longer.
Surely he couldn't catch up to Roiyaru, right?
>
Sesshomaru, using his blade, pushed back against Inuyasha before he took off in a sprint without a word, towards the direction the man had gone.
Inuyasha regained his balance and chased after his brother. "Sesshomaru! Get your ass back here and fight me, you coward!"
Sesshomaru heard his brother's words but ignored them. 'There is something much more important than you happening right now, dear brother,' he snarled silently.
His eyes were set upon the horizon, searching for that weakling that had so bravely run away from him after realizing who he were.
Sesshomaru felt that jolt of pride.
Of course he would run once he knew who Sesshomaru was. Who wouldn't?
>
Rin rose up from sitting next to a kind friend in the market. She were the old blind woman who had taken in Rin years ago. She were now a confidant and gave Rin advice when needed. Rin turned back and said her goodbyes before heading back home.
Her sandals crunched the dirt and gravel streets below her as she played with the dark green obi of her floral, yellow kimono.
The bright color complimented her dark eyes and hair wonderfully and those men who did not glance her way were fools, for she were a true beauty to behold.
The afternoon sunlight was igniting the highlights of her mane, bringing out the mahogany and chestnut hues of her hair while her eyes were a dark honey. She stared straight ahead, proudly. She had been raised, not by her family or caretakers, but by her Lord Sesshomaru to walk with her shoulders back and eyes staring anything in her way squarely in the eye.
It had helped her appear less shy, though inside she were still the shy little girl Sesshomaru had encountered years ago.
She glanced to the new gates of her village, which had been constructed after Sesshomaru's last visit. She wondered why the feeling of anticipation was coursing through her. It felt like someone or something were headed this way. She shrugged it off and headed back towards the mansion.
Standing on the steps leading inside was Saeko. Her dark, beady eyes were staring intently in Rin's direction.
The younger of the two walked up the steps and without a sign of expression simply said, "Afternoon Saeko."
Saeko stared keenly after Rin as she walked on inside.
The girl were hiding something, Saeko knew it. Rin was always hiding something and for some stupid reason, everyone found it appealing. Saeko continued to scowl at the back of Rin until she disappeared amongst the shadows of the building.
>
Roiyaru felt his heart race within his chest as he saw the gates leading to Rin's village and he let out a small yelp of joy.
"Open the gates!" he cried out, waving a hand madly to the men.
He glanced over his shoulder and felt that now familiar shiver race down his spine as Sesshomaru raced over the fields behind him, gaining at a rapid pace.
Roiyaru knew he were simply the pray and Sesshomaru the skilled hunter, yet he could not let his fear stop him. He had to continue on.
As he approached the gates, he could see the concerned looks upon their faces as they saw the youkai following him a small distance behind.
He felt relief was over him as he entered the village. Looking over his shoulder he cried back, "Shut them, hurry! A youkai is chasing me! He's dangerous!"
As the men quickly obeyed, Roiyaru headed towards Rin's mansion. He could feel his heart both pounding with anticipation of seeing her and breaking at the same time. She were supposedly no longer in love with him, and in a few moments, the truth would be revealed.
>
Sesshomaru almost laughed as he saw the poor humans rushing to shut the gate to lock him out. He found it incredibly funny. They actually thought that this new, taller, sturdier gate could keep him at bay?
'So foolish,' he thought to himself.
He could feel the weight of days without rest trying to catch up with him, but being a demon, could easily push these tiring thoughts away and continue on.
He felt such anger towards the pathetic being she had chosen to be her husband.
He knew he shouldn't care. He knew it wasn't his business who it was that she chose to marry, but here he was, chasing after the weakling, racing towards her to speak with her. To just get that last ounce of proof that he needed...whether disgrace or the answer he wanted awaited him, he didn't know. All he knew was that he was close...so very close...
To her.
>
"M'lady! Lady Rin! Where are you?"
"In here, Tokiko!" called out Rin, glancing at her mother as they heard the young servant racing amongst the halls.
Rin stood in her mother's room, trying on her wedding dress one final time before the actual ceremony. She smoothed out the few wrinkles, while Lady Adzumi lifted her daughter's thick mane off of her back.
"We will pin your hair up high and neat. You'll look absolutely stunning, dear," commented Lady Adzumi, glancing at her daughter's reflection.
Rin smiled weakly, nodding to her mother.
"Lady Rin!" cried out Tokiko with a shrill voice.
Rin's hope rose as she remembered that the last time Tokiko had appeared so afraid had been when Sesshomaru had returned.
Tokiko appeared in the doorway, her plain face full of worry. "M'lady! Come with me quickly!" she cried out.
Rin looked to her mother, but Lady Adzumi was already standing and heading towards Tokiko. Rin jumped up and followed her mother and servant.
"What's going on, Mother?" asked Namiko as her face popped out from her bedroom. Adzumi looked to her and waved her hand in the girl's face. "Nothing of your concern, Namiko."
Namiko hmphed and chased after Rin, cursing quietly under her breath.
Rin felt a grin spreading across her face as she knew, deep down inside it were Sesshomaru who had returned.
'I knew it! I knew it!' she thought happily, watching as they neared the main room of the mansion where a crowd of people stood.
Rin's mother stopped before her, but Rin pushed on by. She squeezed through the crowd, her eyes searching ahead. She could feel her entire body shaking as she lifted her skirt, trying to gain more mobility from the beautiful gown.
She squeezed past two tall men and stopped with a loud gasp before him, her eyes wide with surprise.
"Roiyaru!"
>
A/n: Aren't I cruel? Lol. Well here it is, the beginning of the end. I'm not sure I like how this chapter went, but it's finally done and I'm already working on this next chapter because I'm so excited about this ending! Okay, guys. I hope ya'll liked it and I hope to have the next chapter out before Thanksgiving! See ya!