Chapter Thirteen – Family
Sesshoumaru jumped out of the well with his mate and pup firmly in his grip, he landed with ease to meet the golden orbs of his father "Is there something you wish father?" Maru stirred from their landing and looked around
"Grandpa Inu" He beamed. He reached his arms out to him asking to be held
"Hey little one" He took Maru into his own arms and ticked his stomach "Have you been good for your parents?"
"No" He shook his head sadly "I ran off and didn't listen to daddy when he called me, two troll youkai captured me and tried to eat me"
"Now do you see why you're not to wander too far?" Inutaisho asked
"Yes" He nodded "A man with doggy ears saved me"
"Oh you mean Inuyasha" Inutaisho then turned to the tree behind him "Come out Inuyasha so I may thank you" Grumbling Inuyasha jumped from his tree and landed in front of the group "Is there any reason why you've been spying on your own family?"
"Feh I wasn't, I've always sleep in that tree since...I met Kagome"
"I see, well I thank you for saving young Maru" Inutaisho bowed his head slightly
"But milord he soon regretted it when he found out that he was Prince Sesshoumaru's" Jaken squawked
"Be silent Jaken, it is only natural for him to feel like that" Inutaisho then set Maru down on his feet as he expected him to return to Kagome, he was wrong. Instead he ran over to Inuyasha and tugged at his hakama
"Sesshoumaru..." Kagome breathed as he body froze with fear. Sesshoumaru gave a short nod and moved just behind his son
"Thank you again for saving me doggy ears" Maru grinned a toothy grin
"The name's Inuyasha kid" Inuyasha replied trying to sound cold, he was supposed to despise the pup but he was too damn cute
"You look like my daddy"
"Prince Maru!" Jaken gapped as he ran over to him "Don't insult Prince Sesshoumaru like that!"
"Oh shut up Jaken you're hurting my ears" Maru growled "You're so annoying"
"Why you little..." He trailed off when Sesshoumaru's icy glare met him "Little angel?"
"Wimp" Maru laughed "Toad man"
"Brat" Jaken snapped forgetting that his masters were there
"Smelly"
"Insolent"
"Kiss up"
"Pampered pup"
"Slimy"
"Weak!"
"Jaken!" Sesshoumaru growled as he whipped the imp with his golden whip "Do not speak to my son so lowly"
"My apologies" He fell to his knees. Maru then looked up at his father with his hands still grasped onto Inuyasha's hakama
"See it's true" Tears began to fall down his little eyes "Even a smelly little toad thinks I'm weak"
"Maru..." Kagome whispered. Sighing Sesshoumaru gathered Maru into his arms and let the pup silently cry on his shoulder, his eyes then darted to Jaken
"I suggest you back to AhUn before I rip your throat from your neck"
"Please my Prince, please punish me" Jaken bowed with his head in the dirt "I have shamed you deeply"
"I'll give ya punishment" Kagome then stormed up to him and stood on him "You stupid, pathetic, gay, greasy, slimy toad! How dare you cause my son distress" She then shot little bolts of purification at him
"Please stop" Jaken screamed "I'm sorry" He scurried away from Kagome and hid behind AhUn "You crazy wench!"
"Daddy he's hurting my ears please make him stop" Maru moaned into his collar
"I'll do it" Inutaisho then kicked the imp in the face rendering him unconscious. Kagome then walked over to Sesshoumaru and outstretched her arms to Maru
"Do you want to come to mommy sweetie?" Maru gave a little nod and let his mother pull him into his embrace "Don't listen to that smelly little imp"
"A few years ago you would had killed Jaken for talking so lowly to someone you love, why not now?" Inuyasha asked
"I do not shed blood in front of my son" He stated "Now father what is it that you wanted me for?"
"I just wanted to know when you'd be returning home to us, Usagi's going mad with boredom and wants Maru back. She's driving me crazy" He sighed "Give pity on your father and return home"
"I promised Maru I'd take him to see Bankotsu, Rin, Shippo and Sango first" Sesshoumaru replied "We shall be home within 3 to 4 days"
"Understood" He then walked over to Inuyasha "You're no longer banished from the Western Lands and I shall allow you to live there again but this is only because you saved Maru. You only have one more chance Inuyasha"
"Thanks dad" Inuyasha bowed
"And you are not to go near Kagome and Maru without Sesshoumaru's permission, there are certain areas of the palace you shall be forbidden from too. Ones that are your brother's"
"Half" The two sons corrected
"Whatever helps you sleep at night" He shrugged "Well I shall see you all soon" He then gave both Maru and Kagome a kiss on the cheek and left. Sesshoumaru then turned to Kagome
"Let's go. AhUn throw the imp on your back" The dragon grumbled by complied. Kagome strapped her pack to the dragon making sure it wasn't too heavy and returned to Sesshoumaru's side "You've had your warning" Sesshoumaru narrowed his gaze at Inuyasha and shoved past him with Kagome's fingers entwined with his...
It was nearing midnight and everyone was exhausted even Sesshoumaru but they could not find a suitable place to camp. It was mating season so it made life even more awkward for them. Maru couldn't settle in Kagome's arms and began to get grouchy and it didn't help that Jaken was awake making the poor pup shout more "How much longer?" Maru moaned
"Not long now" Kagome reassured
"You said that 2 hours ago" He snapped "Daddy I want to go to bed"
"Just be patient pup" As they continued through the dark narrow path Sesshoumaru found it got more and more familiar 'I know this place' even though the place was familiar to him he was still on guard, he felt as if he'd been here in his childhood and even though he wasn't in danger back then doesn't mean he wasn't now. He then took another step forward when two neko youkai guards jumped out
"Don't come any closer youkai" One sneered
"We will not allow you near our mistress"
"Stand aside" Sesshoumaru warned as he flexed his claws "Or you won't live to see the sun rise"
"Step into the light and reveal who you are"
"Yes your voice is very familiar, it holds the same authority as our lady"
"Step aside men and let them pass" A female's voice came from behind the guards
"By my lady you could be attacked"
"Don't be foolish, I know that voice anywhere" The figure then stepped into the light to reveal long silver hair pulled into a high ponytail, amber eyes, crimson red lips, pale skin, one curvy magenta marking on each cheek and a blue crescent moon on her forehead. The woman wore a very expensive looking kimono with a massive pendent symbolising her wealth "Did you come all this way to visit you mother, Sesshoumaru?" Lanterns then appeared out of nowhere as more guards stepped out into clearing, everyone and everything could be seen now "My how you've grown, you're very handsome indeed"
"I thought this path was too familiar" Sesshoumaru stated "It leads to your palace does it not?"
"Correct" She smiled "I'm surprised you remember it, after all you were a mere pup the last time we met. It was the last time I held you before your wretched father ripped you from my arms and took you into his own cruel care"
"I merely came upon here by mistake mother" Sesshoumaru replied "I was currently looking for a place to camp for the night when I ran into your guards"
"I see. Come to my palace where you and your companions can rest for the night" She then turned and let them in the direction of her home
"Mother?" Sesshoumaru began as he walked up beside her with Kagome in his hand "How is it that you are out so late at night?"
"I have been in hiding, my dear son" She replied with a sigh "There is a great evil after me as I hold the gateway to hell"
"Is this evil Naraku?"
"My attacker was not Naraku personally but his partner, I shall explain more when we get to the palace" The guards then all stood to the sides to reveal two large iron gates
"Wow" Maru gapped "Those are bigger than ours" The gates were then pushed open to reveal a large flight of steps that led to the palace itself
"I remember it was shear torture for you to climb these when you were a pup, I assume you're more fitter now" She mused
"I assure you I shall be fine" He smirked "Do you want me to carry you mate?" He asked as he met Kagome's gaze
"I'm alright" She smiled "But thanks" The then ascended up the stairs and to the palace. When they eventually got to the top Sesshoumaru's mother had AhUn taken to the stables whilst she took her son and companions into a large fancy sitting room
"Please sit down" She took a seat opposite them and smiled "So Sesshoumaru tell me how your life has been" Sesshoumaru then told her all about his father falling for a human and birthing Inuyasha and then how they constantly fought and then how Usagi was doing
"...Kagome my mate was travelling with Inuyasha and that's how I met her. However she joined my group after a fight and we became mates and had our son Maru"
"I see" She smiled "It's a pleasure to meet you Kagome, my name is Queen Jen but you can call me Jen"
"The pleasure's mine" Kagome bowed her head in respect
"So this little one is my grandson" She met Maru's tired gaze and smiled warmly "He's an image of you Sesshoumaru"
"He has his mother's attitude though" He smirked
"Oh I don't know he's moaned like you tonight" Kagome mused. She then saw Jaken's mouth opening "Keep it closed imp"
"So mother who is this partner of Naraku's?"
"You know him all too well I'm afraid" She sighed "It is your uncle Phantom. He is bent on revenge and wishes to send you and your father to hell, he also knows that I am one of the last surviving Inuyoukai females and wishes to take me as his even though I have told him many times that I am mated" She frowned "If he finds out about your son he will kill him too"
"I understand" He nodded "You're mated?"
"Yes but with no children, I became infertile after Usagi's birth. Don't know why" She sighed
"Who is your mate?" Before she could answer someone else did
"Hello Sesshou" Everyone looked to the door to find a youkai with short silver spiky hair, amber eyes, two blue straight markings on his face and wore a dark blue and silver haori with a matching hakama. He also wore silver armour that held the royal crest "It's been a while pup"
"Rai?" Sesshoumaru then turned back to his mother smirking "You mated my father's brother?"
"Well Rai was always the handsome one" Jen mused as Rai made their way over to them
"Yep where'd you think you get your handsome features from? Not from your father or grandfather" Rai laughed
"And Rai is more comical"
"And annoying" Sesshoumaru muttered under his breath. Rai then caught sight of Kagome and Maru, he kneeled in front of them and took Kagome's hand
"Well Sesshoumaru you have yourself a pretty one here" He kissed her hand "It's hard to believe you're human" He winked. He then took Maru's chin in his claws "Well aren't you a chip off the old block"
"Daddy what's this funny man saying?" Maru asked as he looked up at his father
"He's saying you look like me" Sesshoumaru stated
"Hey I bet you're big and strong like your daddy too" He smiled "You certainly look it"
"I'm not" He shook his head
"Sure you are, I bet you're even stronger" He mused "Go on hit me in the stomach" Maru wearily looked to his father who nodded. He then punched Rai in the stomach who then was flying into the chair opposite next to his mate
"Wow did you see that daddy? I beat that crazy man up" He crawled into Sesshoumaru's lap and laughed
"You can beat him up whenever you want pup" Sesshoumaru mused as he wrapped his arms around him "But as of now I believe it's time for you to get some sleep"
"I'll show you guys to your rooms for the night" Rai said as he stood "Your pup can stay in the room next to yours, it's your old nursery"
"That's fine" Sesshoumaru nodded "I shall see you at dawn mother" The Prince then stood with his mate and pup and followed his uncle to their bed chambers. When they were shown to their rooms Rai left to see to his mate but not before bidding them a goodnight. Kagome lifted her sleepy treasure into her arms and took him to the nursery whilst Sesshoumaru stripped to his boxers (Kagome got him from her time) and slipped into bed. Not long after Kagome re-entered looking completely exhausted, realizing she left her pack with AhUn she stripped off to her underwear and climbed into bed next to her mate
"I'm exhausted" She sighed as she cuddled to him "Hold me love" Sesshoumaru then wrapped his arms around her and held her close "Hmm goodnight"
"Hn" Sesshoumaru's eyes then slid closed as exhaustion took over him...
It was early, too early for anyone to be awake. Sesshoumaru though was up and dressed, he just couldn't seem to relax so he thought a walk around the gardens would help him. Silently leaving his room and walking down the hall Sesshoumaru found his mother talking to one of her guards, her eyes were glistening with emotion but her face never expressed any of it. Just as the guard left his lady with a bow Sesshoumaru strode over to his mother as she let out a heavy sigh "Is there something troubling you mother?" She met his gaze with sorrow and fear in her eyes. She reached out her hand and gently caressed his cheek
"What are you doing up so early my son?"
"I was restless" He stated "I thought perhaps a walk in the gardens would help"
"I see, the gardens are just down this hall and to the left. Be weary Sesshoumaru do not wander too far from my guards"
"What is wrong?" She pulled her hand away and took a step closer to him
"I was up early this morning as the guards informed me that Phantom has been seen stalking around the castle entrance" She was almost the same height as her son so she managed wrap her arms around his neck with ease as she pulled him into a small hug "I do not want you to relive you past Sesshoumaru, yours is an ugly one and I doubt you've told your mate of it"
"No I haven't" He sighed as he pulled away "I do not want her worrying over me"
"I understand" Angry tears then formed in her eyes as she remembered the ordeals her son went through as a young teenager "It was bad enough when Phantom did such things to you but I was even more disgusted when your father didn't believe you"
"Yes but when he saw what was happening himself he exploded into a fit of anger and tried to kill Phantom"
"Heh and then he had the balls to pull you into his arms to say that everything was going to be alight, he didn't even apologize. How can you forgive him Sesshoumaru?"
"You and I both know that as a child I wasn't one to bear grudges, I believe if it all happened a few years later I would never have forgiven father and would most probably be trying to kill him"
"Well you know you have nothing to fear here my son" She smiled as she kissed his cheek "Rai has gone with some of the guards to patrol the area outside the palace so we should all be perfectly safe"
"Would you care to join me for a walk in the gardens?" Jen nodded and lead her son to the royal gardens "Mother" Sesshoumaru began as they walked "Do you approve of Kagome?"
"Why of course love" She replied "She is very beautiful, strong and kind. She's a wonderful mother and I'm sure she makes a fine mate. But I have to ask you Sesshoumaru, how is it that you only have one child?"
"I didn't want to rush Kagome into it and we're happy with just Maru at the moment. We were discussing the other night about having another child though, Kagome wishes for a daughter"
"It would be a nice balance with one boy and one girl" Jen stated as they continued on "How did you father react when he found out you were mated to Kagome?"
"Kagome and I were courting first and that's when father found out. He was happy for us and said that he wanted another daughter"
"Speaking of daughters how is mine Usagi?"
"Matured" He smirked "Father wishes to mate her off but she refuses to, she states that she will mate with the youkai she loves"
"Has she found anyone yet?"
"Yes but she won't tell me who, she believe I will kill him for touching my little sister"
"You have to admit Sesshoumaru that you most probably would" Jen mused "Is she still a looker?"
"She's very beautiful"
"I see" Jen then stopped "Do you mind if I leave you here my son? I have yet to bathe and I'm going to get an update from my guards"
"Not at all mother" Jen then give her son a quick kiss on the cheek and headed back to the comfort of her own. Sesshoumaru continued up the garden that stretched further away from the palace, he was about to turn back to see to his mate and pup when a familiar but dangerous scent hit his nose
"My my how you've grown" Sesshoumaru went eye wide as a figure in complete black landed just a few inches from him. His narrowed dark gaze met Sesshoumaru's as he licked his lips "It has been far too long my nephew"
"Phantom..." Sesshoumaru went to grab for his sword when he found that he had stupidly left both of them in his chambers
"That was certainly foolish of you" Phantom laughed as he neared the Prince "You look even more delicious than before. I just want to cut you up into little pieces"
"Get the hell away from me!" Sesshoumaru growled as he began to step backwards
"Show respect for your elders you impertinent pup" Phantom then knocked Sesshoumaru back into a tree and closed the space between them "The smell of your fear is certainly intoxicating, the great son of the great dog King is cowering before me" He laughed "I couldn't ask for anything better" He snaked his hand around Sesshoumaru's throat as he fiercely smashed his lips against him. He shoved his tongue into the younger one's mouth, Sesshoumaru bit the intruder who then pulled away and backhanded him "Why you ungrateful wretch" A dagger appeared in his hands as he came down on the Prince
"Hey!" Phantom turned his gaze to the voice and got punched flying into another tree. "Don't mess with my family Phantom" It was Rai, he had come back just mere minutes ago when he picked up Phantom's vile scent
"You seem to forget little brother, we share the same family" Rai stood in front of Sesshoumaru and unsheathed his sword "Now come I don't wish to fight, I was merely here to greet my nephew" His eyes then darted to Sesshoumaru "I have a message from Naraku, he said one will die" Phantom then clapped his hands as he was engulfed by a cloud of miasma, he then took to the sky and returned to his destination
"That bastard!" Rai turned to Sesshoumaru and inspected him for any injuries "Are you alright pup?"
"I'm fine" He coughed as he rubbed his swollen neck
"Come we shall tell your mother of this ordeal" Rai wrapped his arm over Sesshoumaru's shoulder as they made their way back to the palace. As soon as they entered Jen ran over to them and slapped Rai's arm
"Why did you just run off in the middle of a conversation?"
"Phantom" Was all he needed to say. Jen's eyes immediately met Sesshoumaru as she saw the distress and fear in his eyes
"Oh my god, are you alright?" She wrapped her arms around him and tried to hold him the way she used to when he was a pup "I shouldn't have left you on your own"
"Do not worry mother I'm fine" Sesshoumaru replied as he pulled away "Is my mate up yet?"
"I don't think so"
"I'll have to tell her of all this, could you take care of Maru for now?"
"Of course"
"Thank you" Sesshoumaru then retreated to his bedroom to find Kagome slipping into her school uniform "Kagome" The miko looked up with a smile but it soon left when she saw Sesshoumaru's roughed up person
"Sesshoumaru? What happened?" Sesshoumaru sat down on the bed and pulled Kagome into his lap
"I need to tell you something mate" He started "Do you recall who my mother said who was Naraku's new partner?"
"Yes, it was your uncle Phantom" Kagome replied as she looked up at him with concern
"Well I just went for a walk and he attacked me, Rai found us before anything could happen"
"What so Phantom was trying to kill you?" Sesshoumaru shook his head and lowered it so that his bangs covered his eyes
"When I was a young teenager Phantom began to abuse me in anyway he could, I told my mother who told my father who just scolded me for speaking so wrongly. That night I retired to my chambers but found I was not alone, Phantom came out from the shadows and pounced on me...he then sexually abused me"
"Sesshoumaru..." Kagome turned in his lap and wrapped her arms around him "No wonder why you took Sango into your care when you found out what happened to her"
"Phantom continued to do it and I even tried telling my father once more who just ignored me, Phantom then began to get even more brutal and frequent. He came during the afternoon once but as he was doing it my father walked in. I've never seen him look so angry in his life. His eyes turned a deep crimson and his markings jagged, he threw Phantom from me and slashed at him with his claws. He almost killed him but grandfather came in and stopped him, when he leaned of what happened Phantom was banished for life. My father pulled me into his arms and comforted me when my mother came in and said that she no longer wanted to be bound to an unbelieving pig. He agreed but took Usagi and I away from her"
"So Phantom's back to finish the job?" He nodded. He then lay back on the bed as Kagome lay over him, she stared into his golden orbs and kissed his forehead
"When he just came he left a message from Naraku; one will die"
"One will die?"
"Yes I believe Naraku is trying to kill either you or Phantom"
"What shall we do?"
"We'll return to the Western Lands and tell father of this" Sesshoumaru stated "Mother and Rai will most probably join us and we shall gather Sango and Bankotsu on the way. I'm sure they don't want to miss out on this"
"And what of the children?"
"Usagi will take them to the den of the palace and protect them" Sesshoumaru then sat up and pulled Kagome with him "Come let's go"
You have another long one yay
Sorry if some are offended or disgusted about Sesshoumaru's past but it fitted in at the time and will drive Inutaisho's rage further. And no I won't put too much yaoi in it and I promise that I am not going to have Phantom rape Sesshoumaru again
Forgive me
Please review :)
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