***I DON'T OWN INUYASHA OR SAILOR MOON***

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Kidnapping

Sesshomaru left the office immediately following his brief conversation with Kagome. He was seething. Not only did that woman lay hands on his intended but to then insinuate that they were still sleeping together? On top of which, to try and say Serena was not worthy of him? Insanity. If anything, he did not feel worthy of her, deciding then and there to make it his mission to show her how worthy she was. He tried Serena's phone several times but it went straight to voicemail every time. The next call was to Izayoi to see if Serena had made it home but Izayoi had taken the children to the zoo for the day. The last call was to Andrew asking that he ban Kagura from the restaurants. It wasn't an order form a silent investor but rather a request from a friend. Andrew happily agreed after learning the incident involved his new favourite customer.

It took him the better part of an hour to get home. Sesshomaru peeled into the driveway and bolted inside; her purse and phone laying forgotten on the couch. He sighed raking his hand through his hair, at least she was home. He felt better knowing where she was. Checking in with security, her detail noted that she had been home for a couple of hours and had remained quiet the entire time. There were no visitors or unexpected deliveries. Sesshomaru made his way upstairs to their bedroom hoping to find her showering or sleeping. Opening the door, he was met with silence. She wasn't there. He checked the bathroom, noticing her discarded clothes on the floor.

'She was here' he thought and sniffed the air 'she took a shower so where is she now?'

His heart tightened at her absence. Plucking his phone from his jacket pocket, he called Kagome's cell again.

"Hey did you find her?" she asked picking up after the first ring.

"No" he answered storming down the stairs "has anyone spoken to her?"

"No, the last person to speak to her before me was you" she paused talking to someone in the background "Inuyasha and I are coming home. He is going to bring her car...what? Okay, I'll tell him. Inuyasha says check the forest, she would go for a run there sometimes."

"Okay," he answered curtly hanging up.

Making his way to the back of the house, he didn't bother changing out of his suit. His only focus was finding Serena assuring her that she was the only one. Sesshomaru paused on the back deck concentrating on her mark, closing his eyes he tried to locate a direction. Through her mark, he would be able to find which direction she took off in like a GPS straight to his little star. He could feel her, she was close but there was a block. Sesshomaru could not get the sense of which direction. He growled, was she blocking him? No, she would never do that. Not knowing how much it would make him nervous. He sent Toga a text asking everyone to come home. Something didn't feel right.

Sesshomaru called out for her "Serena!" "Little Star!" walking through the forest. He didn't want to go too far in case she came home. Stopping and sighing, he thought 'why would she leave her phone if she went for a run?'

Continuing to search for the better part of an hour, Sesshomaru decided to return to the house. He tossed his jacket on the chair and rolled up his sleeves. She wasn't in the house or the dojo on top of the fact that he had searched the first two miles surrounding the house. Unless she was running away from him she wouldn't have made it that far but then again she wouldn't run from him, that was not his little star. She was a confront face on before running type of person.

Sesshomaru growled "This isn't her doing"

By the time the family returned, Sesshomaru was driving himself nuts. He had turned over their room to find a clue of her whereabouts and researched the grounds for a second then a third time. She was nowhere to be found. The family was met with an extremely frustrated Sesshomaru standing on the back deck when they returned home.

"No sign?" asked Toga his expression filled with concern. When he had heard Serena was missing Toga felt his entire body go numb. He called everyone immediately stating they were needed at home now. The next call was to their security company demanding they put every available man on stand by in case they were needed. He would not risk his daughter's safety. Not again. Finally, he called Izayoi telling her to take the kids to a hotel until he called with the news. If Rin and Shippo were home, their focus would be divided. At this moment, it had been a hundred percent on finding Serena.

"None" Sesshomaru answered curtly. His gaze trained on the treeline. Without her here, he felt half complete, like a piece of him was missing.

"Did anyone else come on-premises?" Sesshomaru asked the head of their security. His steely gaze leaving no room for any misstep or wrongdoing.

"No sir, no one but Miss Luna"

Sesshomaru bristled with rage "look at the tapes again!" he bellowed

"Yes sir," he said returning to the front gate.

This was not like her. Sesshomaru began to pace, his breathing heavy and his eyes tinting red.

"She was upset after what happened with Kagura but she wouldn't just leave. She loves Rin and she loves you, Sesshomaru" Kagome began wriggling her hands together "do you think she got lost? Or hurt?"

Sango made her way over and wrapped her arms around Kagome. It was clear she felt terrible about what was happening, Sango knew Kagome blamed herself a little. But it wasn't her fault. They would find Serena and then everything would be okay.

"No, Serena knows this forest like the back of her hand, she went for a run every morning" Sango reassured her "I hope she is okay"

Sesshomaru stopped pacing, his hands resting on his hips and shook his head "I would have smelt blood but I can't even get a sense of her direction" he pursed his lips "it seems like she is here but also not here"

Moments later, Inuyasha and Koga emerged from the house in nothing but loose running shorts. Koga came and placed a hand on Sesshomaru's shoulder.

"We're going to do a full run of the forest, if she is there we will find your girl" Koga stated, a determined look in his eye. He would go until he found her or he ran out of forest to check.

"You all stay here in case she comes back," Inuyasha said giving Kagome a quick kiss.

With that, both men took off in opposite directions. Being canine demons, they were fast on their feet with an excellent sense of smell. They would be able to run the whole forest in a matter of hours. If Serena was out there then they would find her and bring her home.

"I'll go to her old apartment, maybe she went there? See an old friend?" added Miroku watching Koga and Inuyasha take off. He wasn't agile and fast like they were but it was something. He couldn't just sit there and do nothing, not when a member of his family was missing. Miroku felt useless just waiting.

Miroku looked to Toga who nodded "good idea, she could have taken a car or had someone pick her up outside the gates"

Toga knew it was highly unlikely; as did Miroku, but it would give his son a piece of mind that someone was looking there.

"I'll come with you Miroku, I can't do much here" added Sango taking her husband's hand. They cast a final look at Sesshomaru before heading out. Sesshomaru had shut down, only able to focus on the fact that Serena was missing.

As the afternoon bled into early evening, Sesshomaru felt his patience waning thinner and thinner. Serena had yet to return and no one had found anything that led to her whereabouts.

"When do we call the police?" Ayame inquired. She had run the streets to see if maybe she had gone that way or gotten lost and came out to get a sense of direction. But she came up empty-handed. Ayame huddled close to Kagome clutching hands, they were growing more concerned as the hours past. Miroku had also returned with no results. While in the city, he dropped Sango off with Izayoi at the hotel. Rin and Shippo were excited about their impromptu vacation in the city with their Aunt and grandmamma. Inuyasha and Koga had yet to return but Toga knew they wouldn't until they had search every square inch of the forest, twice.

"Now" Sesshomaru shouted, his muscles tensing under his shirt. He would not be satisfied until his beloved was back in his arms.

Toga stood "maybe we should wait until the boys return," he said tentatively

Sesshomaru whirled around growling loudly. His eyes had gone almost entirely red while he shook with anger.

"My mate to be is missing! She has been for several hours. DO NOT tell this one to wait"

Toga took another small step forward, his hands up. He understood the type of rage Sesshomaru must be feeling at the notion of his true mate being taken from him.

"I understand that. She is my daughter and if the boys come back without her then I will have the entire force here immediately" he said calmly. He didn't want to push is son too far or he would lose control of his beast. If that happened, he could attack anyone until she was found. Sesshomaru was breathing heavily, his chest heaving. He closed his eyes and tried to reign himself in. Focusing on the fact that he needed to be present for when she came home, not if but when. Opening his eyes, Toga was pleased to see the red retreating, tinting the edges of his eyes.

"Fine," he said through clenched teeth.

Sesshomaru turned away from his family, frustrated at the lack of action. If he had it his way, the forest would be flooded by people searching for his little star. He wanted her home, in his arms where she would be safe and he could hold her. A few moments later, Koga and Inuyasha returned. They were covered in dirt and sweat, panting heavily. They were alone. Sesshomaru grumbled slamming his open hand down on the ledge causing cracks in the stone.

"We've looked everywhere" Koga panted "I'm sorry"

"I can smell her but every time I get close, the direction changes" Inuyasha wheezed out taking the water Kagome offered. He chugged half it before tossing the rest to Koga.

Koga nodded wiping his brow "I had the same issue"

Sesshomaru whirled on his father, his eyes bleeding red "now?"

Toga nodded, his own eyes tinting red "now we call" he said firmly.

Within the hour, the Taisho grounds were crawling with police both human and yokai. The private security firm sent all their guys to aid in the search. Toga was coordinating with the chief; a good friend to the family and a bear yokai. If a daughter to Toga Taisho was missing then no one would rest until she was found.

"Alright!" Chief Takeda shouted "this is who we are looking for, her name is Serena" holding up a photo of Serena that Sesshomaru had saved on his phone. The photo was one he had taken during an afternoon at the park with Rin. She had a big smile on her face and her blue eyes sparkled with happiness, her blonde hair surrounded her face like a halo. Serena had Rin wrapped in her arms, her face pressed next to hers. It was his favourite. The very same photo was framed on his desk too.

Toga took a step forward, one of his pack members was missing. His daughter. One he had sworn to protect.

"Find her" his voice boomed "bring my daughter back"

The group spread out in various directions, calling her name.

"Inuyasha sit down!" Kagome yelled

Sesshomaru momentarily turned his attention to the scene behind him. Ayame and Kagome pushed an irritated Inuyasha and Koga back into their chairs.

"Knock it off Kagome!" Inuyasha growled "my little sister is missing. I need to help find her"

Ayame scoffed "and when you two geniuses pass out from exhaustion? You two ran for four hours straight" shoving Koga back into his seat.

"They are right" Miroku interjected "rest than when you are strong enough rejoin the search"

Inuyasha looked helplessly to Sesshomaru whose expression had gone completely stoic. He had shut himself completely down to avoid transforming right there and putting everyone in danger. All he wanted to do was reunite his sister with her family. Nothing about this felt right. Koga was equally as frustrated, he just wanted to help his friend and find Serena. Yet again he wasn't able to protect a member of his pack.

They relented.

"Fine" Koga grumbled through clenched teeth "you get one hour then we are back out there"

"Fine" their mates replied.

Sesshomaru turned back to stare at the treeline. It was nearing nine o'clock with no results. Periodically he focused on her mark trying to pinpoint her but it was still more of the same, just pulling him in the general direction of the treeline. Sesshomaru loudly snarled, his frustration overflowing. Grabbing a heavy ceramic planter, he hurled it against the wall shattering it.

"WHERE IS SHE?" he bellowed trembling with fury "WHERE IS MY GIRL?"

Everyone went silent, knowing they could offer him little comfort right now. Toga placed his hand son his son's shoulders forcing Sesshomaru to look at him.

"I swear to you, we will bring your mate home. No one will rest until she is" Toga said calmly staring deep into his son's eyes. He needed to know that Toga would not rest until she was home again.

"What if she is…" Sesshomaru couldn't even finish that thought, a deep growl emitting from his chest. Toga squeezed his shoulders again

"You would know if she was"

Nodding Sesshomaru pulled away from his father turning back to search the treeline for any sign. He was hanging on by a thread and he knew it.

"Come back to me" he whispered "where are you my little star?"

A few minutes later, a bright light shone through part of the treeline, not even a hundred feet into the forest. When it dissipated, Sesshomaru stood tall as her presence overwhelmed him. He launched over the ledge landing on the grass and took off towards the source. An officer emerged from the treeline yelling and holding a limp figure in his arms. Their arms were dangling at their side. It was her. With a burst of speed, he skidded to a stop in front of them instantly pulling her into his arms. She was unconscious, her skin frigid.

"I found her like that not even a hundred feet in" the officer filled them in "we went over that spot numerous times but then out of nowhere a light appeared. She was just lying there shaking"

Sesshomaru said nothing but turned on his heel heading back to the house. He needed to warm her as quickly as possible. Toga thanked the officer profusely, shooting worried glances at her the entire time.

"Someone light a fire and get warm blankets" he ordered

Inuyasha and Ayame took off towards the house. Sesshomaru stared down at her face, her lips turning blue. His eyes scanned over her body for any injuries, luckily he found none. His little star had disappeared for hours only to reappear unconscious and ice-cold, he had a feeling he knew who was involved. Entering the house, he headed straight to the fireplace.

"Here in front of the fire and take off your shirt" Kagome instructed "your body heat will warm her more quickly"

Sesshomaru placed her shivering form on the blankets. Kagome quickly covered her with numerous blankets as he took off his shirt and shoes. Once bare-chested, Sesshomaru slipped in behind Serena wrapping her in his arms and surrounding her with his large frame. He rubbed his hands along her skin, nuzzling her neck and face trying to warm her as quickly as possible. Inuyasha threw another log on the fire, making it blaze behind them. Turning to his mate, Inuyasha asked "what do we do now Kags?"

She stood sighing "now we wait for her to wake up"

Sesshomaru pulled the blankets to cover her whole body. What did he do to her? He could barely contain his anger towards Sion. But he was also angry at himself, there was a place where he couldn't get to her, couldn't keep her safe. Sesshomaru buried his face into her hair hiding his face from his family. There were tears in his eyes. For a moment, he was worried he would never hold her again. That Sion had finally gotten his hands on her and took her away from him, Rin and their family. Even at the thought that she might be lost to him, he could feel his soul breaking. There was no one like her. When their eyes had met, his soul pointed at her and whispered to his heart "her."

Toga and Koga stayed outside to deal with the police reports. Toga also had to have an unpleasant conversation with the chief filling him in on the Sion situation. The chief had been sympathetic and offered any sources they had available. Ayame called Sango and Izayoi to let them know she had been found but to keep the children at the hotel overnight. It was the best option. Meanwhile, Miroku had gone into the forest to get a sense of what had happened to Serena. The moment she reappeared, the forest pulsed with dark energy. There was something unnatural about what had happened to her. The rest of the family sat and waited for her to wake up. It was all that they could do.

Sesshomaru kept his face buried in her hair smelling her scent, he wanted to be covered in it. His hand rested on her heart, feeling it beat beneath his fingers. Sesshomaru counted the beats letting it calm him. 'My little star' he thought tightening his grip on her waist 'where did you go?'

"This is all my fault" a tearful Kagome whimpered, Inuyasha hushed her nuzzling her mark with his nose.

"No Inuyasha! It is, I should have gone with her" she cried "but I thought she needed space. Kagura got into her head saying that she wasn't good enough. I shouldn't have left her alone"

Inuyasha held his mate while she cried.

"It is no one's fault but that bastard's" he said "he is doing this just to torture her"

Sesshomaru opened his mouth when Serena began to whimper. Cradling her face, he tilted her face to look at him brushing her hair away as her eyes slowly opened. They filled with tears when she saw his face.

"No no no" she whimpered as she thrashed in Sesshomaru's arms trying to escape. Kagome and Inuyasha jumped to their feet afraid for her, Ayame let out a sob seeing her sister so scared.

"Love stop," he said gently trying to restrain her without harming. She screamed and thrashed scratching his arms. Serena wiggled from his embrace and stumbled standing up, she surveyed the room backing into a corner. She looked terrified standing in a room of her family and the love of her life. Her eyes showing that she had no trust in this reality. Sinking to her knees, she covered her ears with her hands scrunching her eyes shut and cried.

"No, no, no, this isn't real. This isn't real" she continually repeated. Her whole body shaking in terror.

Toga and Koga had run inside when they heard her scream. Toga wanted to go to her and shield her but she wouldn't even let Sesshomaru touch her. Toga knew he wouldn't be able to get close to her without scaring her. Watching her like this was killing him, his daughter was hurting.

"What the hell happened?" asked Koga watching Serena on her knees bent at the waist repeating the same thing.

"This can't be real…this isn't real" she whispered.

"She woke up and just started screaming" Ayame sniffled letting herself be held by Koga "I don't think she realizes we are real. He tortured her, he must have"

Koga snarled "that monster"

Sesshomaru crouched on the ground in front of her. His heart pained at the sight of his beloved curled onto herself unable to look at him.

"This isn't real…he isn't here, you're alone"

The air was thick with her sadness.

"Serena…" he whispered

Serena flinched at her name and violently shook her head. Sesshomaru's forehead creased, she didn't believe that he was here. He needed to prove that he was who he was. His heart ached at the sight of his little star retreating from his embrace like she was. Furrowing his brows, he tried to think of a way to reach her.

"Little star…" he tried again

"It's…" she paused for a moment, her whole body went still and breath coming out in short gasps "no it's not real"

She went back to rocking and muttering to herself. Sesshomaru's gaze softened, there was the key. Only Sesshomaru called her little star because she was the brightest thing in his world.

"Little star…I'm right here" he reached a hand out slowly to touch hers. Her mumbling stopped as he placed his other hand on hers, gently and slowly removing her hands.

"Look at me little star" he softly commanded. Her chest heaved as she trembled in fear, staring wide-eyed up at him.

"Se…Sesshomaru?" she whispered tears falling from her eyes.

He nodded "Yes, it's me little star"

Serena let out a sob, launching herself at him. He fell back pulling her in, she wrapped her arms around his neck grasping his hair and burying her face into his neck wailing. It was almost excruciating to listen to. Sesshomaru held tightly to her, one arm wrapped around her waist and the other buried in her hair cradling her head. Holding her that way, he whispered in her ear for an extensive amount of time while she sobbed.

"I'm right here" kissing her hair

"I'm not leaving little star"

"Kami I was so worried"

"Shh, it's okay now" nuzzling her face with his nose.

When her cries turned to sniffles, he stood to wrap her legs around his waist and move back in front of the fireplace. Her skin was still cold to the touch. She needed to be warmed up properly, he would not risk her health. Not everything she had gone through. Everyone took a seat on the couch and just waited and watched. Sesshomaru rocked with her small body tightly against him. He murmured in her ear how much he loved and cherished her, how sorry he was that he hadn't protected her and how he would never leave her side again no matter what happened. Pulling her face from his neck, Serena stared at his face. She traced his markings and memorized his face. Sesshomaru had her sitting in his lap, her legs still wrapped around him and his arms wrapping around her back and waist keeping her flush against his chest. Relief flooded Sesshomaru, he had her back. He let his hands wander the curves of her body committing them to memory.

"It is you" she muttered

He nodded "it is, little star"

Closing her eyes, she sighed "say that again"

Sesshomaru smiled softly "little star" brushing back her blonde hair.

"I'm not still there?" her eyes watering. Her bottom lip trembled as she shook with fear, she didn't want to go back. To the darkness. To the quiet. Serena's entire body shook, tears dripping from her eyes. It was almost too much for her to handle, everything that had happened. But looking into Sesshomaru's eyes, she felt a semblance of safety. If she didn't have Sesshomaru, Serena wasn't sure she wouldn't have handed herself over to Sion after everything that had happened. Without him physically holding her, Serena was pretty sure she would disappear. He was her anchor, her tether to reality.

Sesshomaru cupped her face staring deep into her eyes

"No you are here, in our home, in my arms" he replied firmly "I will not be letting you leave my arms any time soon"

Serena let her head lean against his, her hands resting on his bare chest. Tears dripping onto his skin.

"I was so scared" she whispered, her body racked with sobs.

Sesshomaru hushed her "I'm right there, I'll protect you"

He placed a kiss on her lips holding her tightly.

"I was so worried" he muttered against her soft lips

Serena let her hands graze across his chest committing the feel to memory.

"I heard you," she said closing her eyes briefly "your voice." They snapped back open, fear evident in her blue eyes.

"What do you mean little star?" he questioned, running his fingers through her hair. He couldn't touch her enough, put his lips against hers enough or hold her close enough to his body.

Serena took a deep breath "I heard your voice calling for me. I knew it was you when you called me, little star. Your voice cut through the dark…that saved me" she kissed his lips quickly "you saved me"

"Saved you from what?" asked Toga keeping his voice quiet as to not frighten her.

Suddenly aware they weren't alone, Sesshomaru slowly lifted Serena having her sit sideways in his lap. Her legs tucked underneath her and her head resting on his shoulder nuzzled into his neck. Sesshomaru's large frame wrapped around her, shielding her. She clung to him, afraid if she let go he'd disappear. Wrapping them in more blankets, he wanted to ensure she was kept warm.

"Whatever it was. It is dark energy" Miroku interjected walking back into the house. He looked spiritually drained and slightly fearful.

"What did you find?" asked Kagome.

Miroku sighed and slumped on the couch next to Inuyasha rubbing his face. Kagome could sense the drain on him, whatever was in that forest was so dark it was clinging to his aura.

"Dark energy soaks the air and ground where Serena was found" his face tensed

Shivers coursed through Serena's body causing Sesshomaru to tighten his hold on her. He rumbled low in his chest calming her instantly.

'At least I can still offer her solace' he thought reaching behind him to put another log on the fire and kissed the side of her head. H vowed to do anything to keep a smile on her face.

"You are safe in my arms" he whispered "I will not let anyone come near you ever again"

Miroku peered down at Serena concern etched into his features "it was him, wasn't it? He lured you to the forest and trapped you."

**Flashback**

Serena slammed the door tossing her purse and dead phone on the couch.

"I'll charge it after I shower" she grumbled "ugh it's everywhere" lifting the ends of her hair. She felt sticky and gross.

She stomped upstairs and straight into their bathroom shedding her clothing. How she wished she could have just decked that wicked woman, spreading her lies. Serena passed the mirror and stopped, a red handprint adorned her cheek.

"Sesshomaru will not be pleased" she mumbled brushing her fingertips against it.

Turning the shower on hot, she stepped under the stream letting it cascade across her body. Serena thoroughly shampooed and conditioned her long hair, grumbling about stupid jealous exes the entire time. Stepping out, she wrapped herself in a fluffy towel. She knew that Sesshomaru was probably on his way home to her so she wanted to be dressed when he got there. He would want to know everything that happened.

Serena covered her skin in body lotion; one that only enhanced her natural scent, it was his favourite. Serena slipped on a simple black gauze maxi dress humming to herself as she blow-dried her hair.

'I'm not going to let Kagura get under my skin' she thought 'Sesshomaru would never cheat on me'. She paused thinking of the other things Kagura had said to her, letting her insecurity get the best of her. Was she worthy of him? Good enough to be his mate and wife? To carry his children? Despite his reassurance, Serena couldn't help but still wait for Sesshomaru to realize that she was too much of a risk to keep around. She knew he loved her but would it be enough if Sion went after Rin? How would he feel then?

After her hair was dried, laying straight down her back like a golden waterfall. She made her way downstairs to grab her phone when something caught her eye outside. Furrowing her brows, she peered out the window. Her chest heaved as she ran down the stairs out to the back deck skidding to a stop. Her hand flew to her face "Pluto" she whispered.

Standing at the treeline was Pluto and she was looking right at her. Pluto was alive but how? Serena took a step forward, where had she been this whole time? Pluto turned walking into the trees, casting a glance behind her. A signal to follow her. Serena took off towards the trees ignoring the fact that she had no shoes or jacket.

'Maybe she is revealing herself because Sion found me' she thought slipping between the trees 'maybe she was just trying to protect me this whole time'

Serena stopped in a small clearing searching the trees for any sign of her.

"Pluto?" she called out, spinning in a circle trying to find her. To get answers. The area got intensely dark and cold. Spinning around quickly she felt her breath hitch. Warning bells went off in her head.

'It's a trap' she thought slowly backing up 'this is not real, Pluto was never here. She is dead'

Darkness surrounded her blocking any infiltration of light. Her back hit an invisible barrier, locking her inside.

"You got us killed" a voice broke through. Her Senshi stood in front of her, their clothes bloodied and ripped.

"We died because of you" Mars sneered

"And look how weak you still are" Mercury scowled "you learned nothing"

"STOP!" Serena yelled her swivelling looking for the source of this ploy "I know this isn't real. They died"

Her Senshi faded as darkness overtook her. It was dark and cold. Serena slumped to the ground, the darkness making her physically weak. She could feel the negative energy creeping into her mind, latching onto any negative thought.

"Serena?"

Her head snapped up, that was Sesshomaru's voice.

"Serena, it is me"

He just appeared and Serena felt her heart quicken. Jumping to her feet, she ran to him throwing her arms around his middle. She looked up at him confused, he didn't move his arms, and they stayed limp at his side. His face ice cold and stoic. This was not like her Sesshomaru, he would instantly wrapped her in his embrace and kiss her lips anytime she went to him.

"Sesshomaru?" she questioned backing up slowly

"You have become a problem," he said in an icy tone

"What?" furrowing his brows "what are you talking about?"

He sneered at her

"You are not worth my time. You will get us all killed just like your family!" he growled

"No, no. You don't mean that" she whimpered reaching for his arm. He slapped her hands away.

"I do. Either you leave or I will kill you" he snarled taking a step towards her. Serena backed up quickly, stumbling over her feet and fell to the ground. Serena looked back up and found she was alone. The darkness was suffocating, forcing her to endure vision after vision of Sesshomaru berating her. Her family telling her that she was useless and not worth any love.

Serena screamed and pounded against the invisible walls unable to escape. She screamed for help until her voice was hoarse. Ran until her lungs felt like they would burst but couldn't tell where she was. It was never-ending darkness mixed with voices of her loved ones reminding her of the burden she had become, of the problems she brought with her and the dance she put on their family. Nothing felt real anymore, she couldn't tell when one nightmare ended and another began. Eventually, Serena grew tired and weak from the dark energy. She felt like it had been hours since she saw a shred a light.

Falling to her knees, she cried out "I can't do this…this isn't real"

She felt she had been stuck in the darkness for days, slowly trying to break her. Fighting against it was useless, the voices never ended making it harder to ignore. Then she heard it. It was a whisper initially, Serena shut her eyes and concentrated.

"Little star"

With a gasp, her eyes flew open causing her to clasp at her heart.

"Sesshomaru?"

She heard it again, snapping her head towards the source. There a speck of light so tiny it was almost indistinguishable from the darkness.

"Where are you little star?"

Serena rose to her feet 'only Sesshomaru calls me that' she thought 'the real Sesshomaru'

"You are not worth loving" a voice that sounded like Sesshomaru said "you will kill us all"

Serena breathed deep. Her determination and fight returning to her.

"This isn't real!" she screamed tears rolling down "You can't hurt me!"

Her body encapsulated in a bright white light, the crystal shining bright. Then she sunk into darkness.

***End of Flashback***

"Then I woke up here, for a moment I thought I was still stuck there" she looked up at Sesshomaru "but then you called me little star and I knew it was you"

Sesshomaru inwardly growled at the thought that she had been so close to him but so far at the same time. She had been berated and tortured for hours, someone used his voice and form to torture his beloved.

Toga growled, his eyes bleeding red "from this point forward, you are not to be alone. No one is understood?" looking to all his children. They all nodded in agreement.

Serena snuggled up to Sesshomaru's neck whispering "Take me to bed, I'm so tired"

Nodding, he slid his arm under her legs and the other around her back. He rose to his feet wordlessly, shielding her.

"I'm taking her to bed" he stated firmly "we will staying home the next few days"

Toga nodded "that is for the best I believe"

Watching them leave, Toga rubbed at his face. He knew he wouldn't be sleeping tonight. Looking around, he had a feeling none of them would be sleeping. All of them had their eyes trained on the retreating forms of Sesshomaru and Serena.

Sesshomaru climbed the stairs holding her body close, first he had her stabbed, then the explosion and now he tortures her subconscious. He was getting sick of being one step behind this guy.

Sesshomaru settled Serena into their bed.

"Hands up love," he said softly

Lifting her arms, he pulled her dress off tossing it to the side. Removing her bra, he left her in her black cheeky underwear. Serena looked up at him lovingly holding out her arms to him, beckoning him to her. He pulled off his pants, leaving on his boxer briefs on and slid into her waiting arms. They laid on their side, her leg hitched upon his hip and his arms encasing her small frame. Their faces inches apart. He covered them in multiple blankets to keep her warm.

"Not being able to find you was not something I ever want to experience again" he whispered "I was terrified"

Serena brushed her fingers across his markings "I tried to get back to you, I did" her eyes filled with tears

He hushed her "I know, the things he said to you are not true you know this"

Serena nodded "This afternoon with Kagura…" she grimaced

Sesshomaru growled "that disgusting piece of trash will suffer for speaking such lies" he brushed her cheek with his nose "and for laying a hand on you. I will ensure her punishment"

Turning their bodies so she lay beneath him, he propped himself up on his forearms. His silver hair forming a curtain around them, sealing them in their own world. She needed to know her worth and importance to him.

"I would and will never lay with another," he said firmly.

"I know" she reassured him "she spoke only lies"

Sesshomaru sighed relieved that she knew he only had eyes for her "you know it is I who is not worthy of you, don't you?"

Serena bit her lip feeling unsure as her insecurities crept in "your mate will one day be Lady of the West and Mrs. Taisho, can I fill those shoes? Am I enough for you? I doubt myself sometimes" casting her gaze downward. Sesshomaru pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, clenching his fists. How could she think that she wasn't worthy of him was unbelievable. She was a Queen and everything any man could dream about.

"Look at me little star," he said firmly but softly not wanting to frighten her. She had been through enough today. Serena met his gaze and he could see the insecurity clouding her eyes.

"You are the Queen of the Moon Kingdom. You are far beyond what any mate can hope for, your mind, your strength, your grace and your heart" he started cradling her face, his gold eyes searching hers "that filth's opinion of you does not matter. I may never find words beautiful enough to describe all that you mean to me, but I will spend the rest of my life searching for them" he placed a gentle kiss on her lips letting them linger for a moment. His little star was his entire world. If it took a thousand years to convince her that she was perfect to him in every meaning of the word then so be it.

"If anyone needs to be concerned it is I, I am filling the exceptionally large shoes of King" he muttered against her soft lips.

Serena smiled gently at him pushing his lips against hers for a moment. The insecurity fading slightly from her eyes.

"There she is" he whispered coming to lay beside her again. Sesshomaru gently pulled her to lay on top of him. He wanted and need to feel every part of her body against his skin, his arms wrapped around her waist. Running one through her blonde hair as she tucked her head in the crook of his neck. This was the only way he wanted to sleep, feeling her breath on his neck and her weight on his body.

"You will be an excellent King and if we ever have a Kingdom again, I do not fear that you will be less than that" she placed little kisses along his neck "you will be fair and just. You will lead by example so this Queen will be happy to have you by her side"

Sesshomaru sighed. After today, her sole focus should be on herself but yet again she was putting others before her. One look in her eyes and he would know that all she was thinking about at that moment was him.

Serena let out a small yawn.

"You need your rest" he whispered rubbing circles on her back "sleep now, I will be here the whole time"

She felt herself drifting, Sesshomaru's deep voice lulling her to sleep. Sesshomaru laid there listening to her breath and the way her heartbeat. Serena was a special kind of woman. She's the one with the ability to be that rock and that foundation. She's the woman who will sacrifice for his happiness, support his every dream and be his biggest fan. She's the one that inspires him, motivates him and challenges him to become a better person in every aspect of his life. She's the woman who will fight to make things work and never take the easy way out. She's a special kind of woman. She's loyal. She's intelligent. She's passionate. She has soul. She has substance. She has a heart of gold. And she knows how to love unconditionally. She's a special kind of woman. And she entirely too special to be with anything less than a King.

He was going to take her to that special place she mentioned after tomorrow. There he would mate her and propose, making her his in every way possible. Sesshomaru was done waiting. Waiting for the right time. Waiting for the perfect moment. All that was over now, his little star would bare his mark and his name. Serena would be Mrs. Taisho.

Hopefully, his father had gotten his ring completed. Now he just needed to think of how to ask her. He stared down at her sleeping face, loving the way the moonlight danced across her skin. That is when the idea struck him. Sesshomaru knew exactly how he would propose, he was going to need candles. Lots of candles.