Hey there! So here's the next chapter of By the River With You! Sorry it was a little bit longer of a wait then I had planned. I was having a bit of writer's block, but once I made myself sit down and right I couldn't stop. I hope you like it!
Edited as of 08/17/2020: Spelling and grammar errors fixed. Reformatted to be more reader friendly.
Disclaimer: I own nothing Inuyasha, nor do I own anything by Charlene Soraia.
Recap: Sesshomaru arrives in the village to find that Rin has been kidnapped! Can he and the others catch the fox demons that took her before it's too late?
And maybe. I'll work out a way to make it back some day. Towards you, to guide you, through the darkest of your days. (Charlene Soraia: Wherever You Will Go)
*Many Years Ago*
Sesshomaru, Yasuhiro, and their fathers had been traveling for several days. They had passed into the southern lands the evening before and would soon reach the southern fox clan's territory. Yasuhiro informed Sesshomaru that they would most likely arrive by tomorrow morning. They two younger demons were walking a little ways away from the older men, near a large stream. Yasuhiro was watching the fish swimming by.
"Fox." Sesshomaru said. The boy glanced his way, "What else can you tell me about this fox demon clan?"
"Honestly, not much. I only know what my father's told me." Yasuhiro said, shrugging. Sesshomaru let out a sigh. Yasuhiro turned towards the stream again, thinking, "I think the leader has three daughters, though one of them is still a child and another isn't his by blood."
"What do you mean?"
"I believe Father said the oldest daughter was actually the child of one of the leader's allies. He was killed in a battle right around the time she was born, so the southern clan's leader raised her as one of his own." Sesshomaru nodded his head. He'd heard his father saying the old fox leading the clan was a very generous man. He'd always thought it made the demon seem like he could easily be taken advantage of. Sesshomaru's father said it meant he was trustworthy.
"Are they fire wielders like your tribe in the north?" Sesshomaru asked. Yasuhiro and the other foxes in the northern lands had an incredible control over fire. Sesshomaru had to admit, it was always quite incredible to see the older boy in battle, burning an entire human army to the ground all on his own.
"No. I believe Father said their powers were different than ours." Yasuhiro stepped out onto some large rocks near the water's edge. He motioned for his friend to follow. Sesshomaru glanced down at the stream, before walking slowly out towards the fox.
"Do you know what abilities they do have?" Yasuhiro shrugged again and jumped out onto some smaller rocks in the middle of the large stream.
"No. But Father mentioned a rumor he'd heard about the foxes having physical control over the land they lived on." Sesshomaru leaped onto the rocks in front of Yasuhiro. He watched as the taller demon reached down, his fingers skimming the water's surface.
"Doesn't that just mean they have control over their territory?" Sesshomaru asked. Yasuhiro swiped playfully at a fish with his claws.
"No. I think Father meant something else when he said that." he mumbled, frowning at the water, "I'm awful at catching fish. Can you catch one, Sesshomaru?"
Yasuhiro looked up at the younger boy. Sesshomaru stared at him, head tilted to the side in confusion. "Why do you want to catch one?"
"I thought it'd make a nice pet." the fox mocked, rolling his eyes. "I want to eat it, Pup. Why else would I want one?"
Sesshomaru glared at him as the nickname he detested so much passed the boys lips, but he decided to let it slide, his curiosity overtaking his anger. "The taste my venomous claws leave on food makes you gag. Why do you suddenly not care?"
Yasuhiro stood straight, pouting ever-so-slightly. "Because I'm hungry. I'd rather have a nasty tasting fish than no fish at all."
Sesshomaru sighed again and rolled his eyes as he leaned over to get a better look at the water. Several fish were about to swim passed them. The dog demon reached down, preparing to snatch one from the stream. His scaly prey was only a few inches from his fingertips when a sudden harsh tug on his hair had him losing his balance, causing the dog to slip from the wet rocks he'd been standing on.
SPLASH!
Sesshomaru couldn't help the yelp that left his lips as the freezing water of the stream washed over him, soaking his kimono and hakama. He made to jump back out of the stream, but a strong hand shoved him down again.
Sesshomaru sputtered again as his mokomoko became a part of the sopping wet mess that was now his clothing. Yasuhiro's deep laughter filled his ears.
"You reek like a wet mutt now, Pup!" Sesshomaru glared up at the fox demon, his eyes flashing red as a growl tore through his throat.
"Yasuhiro!"
"What is going on here?" a voice asked. The boys looked over to see Inu no Taisho and Lord Tamotsu standing at the water's edge. Neither of them looked very pleased. Sesshomaru quickly got to his feet, suppressing a cringe as his damp clothes stuck to his skin.
"We were only playing a game to pass the time, Father." Yasuhiro said. Even Sesshomaru was impressed with the innocent tone the fox was able to fake. "Sesshomaru accidentally fell in. I tried to catch him."
"Oh? Is that true, Sesshomaru?" the older fox asked, disbelief shining in his eyes. Sesshomaru glanced at the boy beside him. Yasuhiro shot him a look. The dog demon mentally cursed. Of course the fox would expect him to have his back. It didn't matter that he'd just played some cheap trick on him. Lord Tamotsu could be very strict with his son. A scolding now would only ruin the older boy's mood. And if Yasuhiro was too busy sulking, that meant Sesshomaru would be left to deal with the southern foxes all on his own. He'd rather have to put up with an annoying, triumphant fox than go through that.
"Yes." Sesshomaru said, irritation seeping into his voice. He looked at his father and mumbled, "sorry."
Inu no Taisho sighed. "Try and be more careful. And get out of the water so you can dry." The two men turned around and walked away.
When he was sure they were out of earshot, Yasuhiro clapped Sesshomaru on the shoulder. "You're a good sport." he said, grinning.
Sesshomaru reached over and yanked on the taller demon's hair. Yasuhiro let out a soft cry, wincing as he stumbled towards the dog demon. "Do that again, Fox, and I'll rip your fingers off."
"Alright, alright." the boy grumbled. He pulled his hair out of his friend's grasp, "I thought dogs liked water?"
Sesshomaru took a step towards the fox again, anger flashing in his golden eyes. Yasuhiro held up his hands in surrender.
"I'm only teasing! You should get used to it. You'll be staying with foxes for quite a while."
"Well, here's to hoping they won't all be as irritating as you."
Sesshomaru sighed at the memory as the small group followed the two demons' scents. They were running along the edge of a very wide stream. The sky had turned dark a few hours before, and Sesshomaru could hear the tired yawns his half-brother's wife was trying to suppress. The foxes' scents weren't that old and he was sure if he ran through the night he would finally catch up to them.
But that would be too easy, he thought. He was sure his former allies wouldn't have gone through the trouble of kidnapping Rin just to have Sesshomaru take her back a day later. No, he was certain there would be some trick waiting for him should he get any nearer to the foxes. He hated to admit it, but he was going to have to wait until the demons were done with their game before his ward was returned to him.
A little while later they reached a small clearing. Sesshomaru stopped and motioned for Ah-Un to do the same. When the beast landed, Jaken slid from it's back, landing roughly on the ground. Inuyasha landed in front of his brother, Kirara following just a moment later. Kagome hopped off the large cat's back and moved to stand beside her husband.
"Why are we stopping?" the silver-haired half-demon asked, "You lose track of them?"
Sesshomaru gave his brother a cold look. "No. They are nearby."
"Then why aren't we goin' after them?"
"Because it would be unwise." the older demon said. "I know how these demons think. If we approach them too soon, they might harm Rin."
"Speaking of those two, how the hell do you know them exactly?"
"That's none of your business." Sesshomaru growled.
"Actually, since I'm helping you get Rin back, it kind of is." Inuyasha argued. Sesshomaru glared at the younger demon.
"I told you not to come."
"And I told you she's my responsibility too." Inuyasha stared at his brother. "What the hell's gotten into you?"
"Watch your tone, half-breed." Jaken warned. Inuyasha growled and Jaken took a frightened step backwards. The half-demon looked back at his brother.
"I'm serious, Sesshomaru. You've been on edge ever since you got to the village."
"Perhaps it is because you let Rin get taken?" the elder said, gritting his teeth in anger. Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
"I doubt it. Rin's been taken before. And you were more concerned with going after Naraku than you were with gettin' her back. No, it's got something to do with these assholes we're chasing. It'd save us all a lot of trouble if you'd just say what it is about them that's botherin' you so damn much."
Sesshomaru clenched his jaw and resisted the urge to lash out at his younger brother. He knew he was letting the fox demons get under his skin, but he couldn't help it. He might have been able to guess at how this little game of theirs was going to work, but for the life of him, he couldn't fathom why they had taken Rin. Surely there were other ways they could have gotten his attention?
Sesshomaru turned around and walked to the edge of the clearing. He sat down, leaning comfortably against the rough bark of a large tree, and looked away from the small group.
"Jaken," he said, his tone commanding, "Build a fire."
Jaken let out a nervous yelp at the irritation radiating off of his master and quickly scampered off into the forest to find fire wood. Inuyasha huffed, annoyed when he realized his brother had put an end to their conversation. He and Kagome walked towards the stream, hoping to catch some fish for dinner. A little while later, after the others had eaten and drifted off to sleep, Sesshomaru let out a long sigh as he slowly closed his eyes.
*Many Years Ago*
Sesshomaru held back a growl as his fingers caught on a rather nasty tangle in his silver hair. Night had finally fallen and the foursome would be reaching the southern clan in a few hours. Sesshomaru's clothes had finally dried, but his hair had turned into a knotted mess. He was slowly trying to work the strands back into their normal silky straightness, but it was hard when a certain annoying fox kept trying to help.
Yasuhiro ran his fingers through the back of the dog demon's hair, accidentally tugging harshly on a knot at the bottom of his friend's tresses. Sesshomaru smacked the fox's hand away and glared at the older boy. Yasuhiro shrugged apologetically. "I swear I'm not doing it on purpose. I just wanted to help."
"I don't want your help." Sesshomaru said through gritted teeth. Yasuhiro shrugged again.
"Have it your way then."
Sesshomaru looked away from the taller demon, focusing again on the haystack that was now his hair. A sudden gentle tugging at the back of his scalp caused Sesshomaru to turn around. His father was behind him now, easily working the tangles from his son's hair. Inu no Taisho looked down at his boy. "Perhaps this will teach you not to play in the stream."
Sesshomaru bit the inside of his cheek and turned away from the knowing look in his father's eyes. He had had a feeling the Dog General didn't believe a word of Yasuhiro's lie, but he was glad the older man had chosen to remain silent. Inu no Taisho understood how huffy the young fox demon could get when he was in trouble with his father.
In a few moments, the two dogs had completely untangled the younger one's hair. Inu no Taisho put a hand on his son's shoulder. "Are you ready?" he asked.
"No." Sesshomaru answered, letting out a sigh. "But I suppose that doesn't really matter."
The older demon smiled sadly at the shorter boy. "This will be a good thing, I promise. You'll understand when you're older. The land you and Yasuhiro will gain will be very beneficial."
"How exactly is that going to work?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Well, the southern foxes own more than just the land they live on. So, they've agreed to split it equally between the two of you."
"But Yasuhiro said the clan's leader had a third daughter. Won't he have to give land to her future mate as well?"
"No, I believe he only plans on marrying his eldest daughters. The youngest will stay with him."
"Why?" Sesshomaru said, confusion in his eyes as he looked up at his father.
"It is the duty of the youngest child in the clan to protect the village." Lord Tamotsu answered.
"Village?" Yasuhiro asked his father.
Tamotsu nodded. "Yes. The southern foxes chased out the humans in a large village a long time ago and now claim it as their home. It's protected by a very powerful barrier. Right now, the eldest daughter is the one that controls the barrier, but after she is married that duty will fall to the youngest daughter."
The boys nodded. Yasuhiro looked at his friend. "So... who is getting who?"
Sesshomaru shot his friend an annoyed look. Inu no Taisho laughed.
"Eager to find out who your future mate will be, Yasuhiro?" the Dog General asked. The fox smiled.
"I'm just curious is all. They're all younger than I am, right?"
"Yes." the fox's father said, glancing back at his boy. "You and Sesshomaru are older than the girls, though they are very close to Sesshomaru in age. I believe there is only a few decades difference."
Yasuhiro stared at his father expectantly. Lord Tamotsu chuckled. "The clan leader intends on having you marry the eldest daughter and Sesshomaru marry the middle child."
"Is he just going by our ages?" Sesshomaru asked.
"No." Inu no Taisho said. "He said he believed they would be good matches for you. He said he picked whichever daughter he thought would compliment your personality the best."
Sesshomaru let out a soft snort.
"I'd hate to meet the eldest daughter if she's supposed to compliment Yasuhiro's repulsive personality." The older men laughed. Yasuhiro shot the younger boy an angry look.
"I wonder if your future wife is as much of a whiny brat as you are?"
Sesshomaru growled at the fox.
"Behave boys." Inu no Taisho said, ruffling his son's hair. The younger boy shrugged his father off of him. Sesshomaru was quiet for a moment, before a question that had been plaguing him slipped past his lips.
"Father, what does everyone else think of this?" he asked quietly. The Dog General looked down at his son.
"Honestly? They're not very happy with my decision, your mother especially, though she was seeming to come around once I explained how powerful this clan is. But, there have been those trying to argue against me."
"You think they'll come around?"
"If they don't, I'll make them. She may not be a dog demon like everyone had hoped, but I have heard stories of the southern lord's daughters. They are incredibly strong and intelligent. This will be a good match." Sesshomaru nodded, looking at the ground. Inu no Taisho clapped his son gently on the shoulder. "It will still be some time before you marry her. We are just going to the village so you boys can meet the girls. By the time you are at the age where you'll be expected to marry and have an heir, I doubt anyone will care she is a fox demon."
Sesshomaru sighed and nodded his head again. Yasuhiro stared at his friend for a moment, noticing how the dog demon's mood was steadily souring as they discussed his future with the fox demoness. A wicked grin spread across his face as he fell a few steps behind the younger demon. When he was sure the dog demon was no longer aware of what he was doing, Yasuhiro stepped forward and shoved Sesshomaru as hard as he could. Sesshomaru let out a gasp as the force of the push caused him to stumble forward. He managed to right himself before he fell to the ground. Sesshomaru whipped his head around, glaring at the fox behind him. Yasuhiro let out a laugh before darting off into the dark forest before them. A growl tore through Sesshomaru's throat as he chased after the older boy. Inu no Taisho chuckled as he moved to walk beside Lord Tamotsu.
"I really wish my son would find a different way to try and cheer your boy up." the fox said. The Dog General smiled at his friend.
"I don't know. Yasuhiro's methods seem to work very well."
Tamotsu rolled his eyes. "They might now, but one day Sesshomaru isn't going to put up with Yasuhiro's tricks."
By the time the sun had risen and the forest animals had awoken to begin their day, the four demons had finally made their way out of the dense forest and into a large field. Yasuhiro was rubbing at the sore spot on his jaw from where Sesshomaru had managed to punch him before their fathers had shouted at them to behave. Sesshomaru was smelling the air. A strange scent was drifting throughout this field, though he couldn't quite put a name to it. The young dog demon looked at his father. Inu no Taisho was studying the area, a look of concentration in his eyes.
"The village should be up ahead." Lord Tamotsu said. The boys walked up to stand beside their fathers. The Dog General look at his son.
"Can you sense the barrier?" he asked. Sesshomaru looked to the area in front of him. He could feel a slight energy, though he wasn't exactly sure how far up ahead it was coming from.
"I think so." he told his father.
"Are they going to drop the barrier so we can enter the village?" Yasuhiro asked.
"No," Tamotsu answered, "I believe the clan's leader will be coming out to meet us."
As if the fox demon's words were some kind of signal, the air around them began to shift. The view of the field in front of them began to shimmer as the barrier in question was revealed. In a few moments, a small hole formed in the barrier and a tall fox demon walked out. The man had a gentle face, with kind yellow eyes and shoulder-length red hair. He wore a white kimono with a blue circle pattern at the sleeves and dark blue hakama. A white sash was tied loosely around his waist. He grinned as he made his way towards the foursome in front of him.
"My friends! You've finally arrived," the fox demon greeted them cheerfully.
Inu no Taisho stepped forward and embraced the demon like a brother. "Minoru, it is good to see you again."
Tamotsu moved forward to greet the newcomer as well. Yasuhiro and Sesshomaru stayed a few steps back from the older men. They shared a look as the red-haired fox began to chat happily with their fathers.
"Minoru, come meet our sons." Sesshomaru heard his father say. The younger boys looked up to see the three older demons walking towards them.
"Lord Minoru." they greeted. The fox smiled down at them.
"Sesshomaru. Yasuhiro." he said, looking at each one of them in turn. "It's nice to finally meet you. Your father's have spoken very highly of you both."
Minoru studied the boys for another moment before turning to smile at the men behind him.
"Well, are you ready to see my village?"
Well, there you go! I tried making this chapter a little longer than the first two. If you feel like it, let me know what you thought of this chapter! See-ya later! :)