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

Chapter Thirty: The Nightmares Begin

Serena tripped and fell. Scrambling to get back up, her lungs were burning and her legs aching. The darkness closing in as she ran blindly. It was suffocating her, she could feel it closing in within arms reach of her. Suddenly an arm reached out and grabbed, pulling her down in the never-ending darkness as she clawed at the ground screaming. Screaming for help. For anyone to come save her. But there was no one. Voices reminded her how along she was, no friends and no family. She would always be alone. As the darkness swallowed her whole, Serena felt herself let go and accept that she would be forever stuck in the cold dark, alone.

Serena bolted out of bed, gasping for air.

"No!" she screamed clutching the sheet to her. Her chest heaved as tears dripped from her eyes. Automatically, a pair of strong arms came around her middle to encircle her shaking body. Like they had been there waiting for her, like this moment was expected to happen. Breathing in, she realized it was just Sesshomaru. He smelled spicy and woodsy but also like safety and home.

"It's just me little star" Sesshomaru cautioned, not wanting to frighten her. Her sleep had been restless all night causing Sesshomaru to stay up to keep an eye on her. Not that he would have been able to sleep after the day's events. Having her missing from his side and watching her afraid like she had been was soul-crushing for him. He sat behind her pulling her flush to his chest.

"You are home, in our bed and I am me" he reassured her "You are my little star." Sesshomaru could hear her heart beating fast in her chest and all he wanted to do was whisk her away to a place where no one could hurt her and she could be happy. Unfortunately, that was not reality at the moment.

'I will do whatever I need to, to hunt this waste of space down and kill him' he thought resting his head on top of hers rumbling in his chest 'make him pay for every tear that has fallen from her eyes'

Leaning down he nuzzled the side of her face offering his comfort, this was the fifth nightmare that night.

"Tell me what happened"

Serena took a few deep shuddering breaths in trying to slow her rapid heartbeat.

"It was dark and I was all alone…I called out for you but you never came" Serena gripped his arms tightly "it was so cold and dark, then I felt something watching me and it started to chase me. I ran until I couldn't anymore…" she stifled a small sob.

Sesshomaru responded by nuzzling her neck before shifting their bodies so he was leaning against their headboard with her tucked in his arms. Wrapping a hand around his neck, she snuggled into his embrace. His skin was so warm, he was like her own personal heater. She liked it when he encased her small body in his strong arms, it made her feel loved and protected.

Serena glanced up at him and sighed internally.

'I can see the fear in his eyes, he hates himself because he cannot protect me from these nightmares' she thought 'I have to do what I can to protect him. He has always protected me so now it is my turn'

Tilting her head up, Serena pressed her lips against his neck, revelling in the feel of his warm skin. He kissed her head letting his fingers trail over her bare skin.

"I will not let someone touch you again" he growled "you are not alone. I will always stay beside you, I will always be there to catch you when you fall"

Sesshomaru hated the fact that Sion had been able to get to her so easily, now causing her distress and nightmares. He detested that he had not been there. That there was a moment where she thought she was alone. That there was a place that he couldn't get to her. As a demon, he understood the joy of the hunt, the excitement of a chase. But this monster enjoyed toying with his prey, he enjoyed it too much. Sesshomaru made a note to take extra care in removing his body parts, making sure he stayed conscious and felt every ounce of pain for every second he hurt his beloved. Their home was supposed to be a sanctuary from all the chaos happening. Yet somehow he was able to find his way into the one safe space she had left in her life and he hated that. Sesshomaru could only hope that she was able to see past it and still keep their home as her safe space in her heart. If not he would not hesitate in moving his family out into a new home that brought her only happiness.

Letting his fingers run through her hair he sighed "I was not there to protect you and that is a regret I will carry forever. But it will not happen again"

Serena cringed slightly, she had not told anyone about her brief visit from Sion at the school the other week. At the time she was positive she had just imagined it all. However now she was almost convinced it was his first attempt at getting inside her mind. Maybe these were just normal nightmares after something traumatic happened and maybe that day at the school had been nothing. But she vowed to herself that she wouldn't tell Sesshomaru about that day in the school or if the nightmares continued. He hated himself enough, she couldn't bear watching him beat himself up over something no one had control over. Serena vowed to protect him.

Placing a hand on either side of his face, Serena tilted his head down to look at her. Sesshomaru noticed how tired she looked but her eyes held nothing but concern for him.

'Always putting everyone before herself' he mused

"Please don't blame yourself" she begged "I couldn't stand it if this weighed on you. You are the reason I got out, you saved me"

Sesshomaru's gaze softened. He wondered if she could actually be mad at someone or would always find a way to forgive them. She was a forgiver. Her heart was so large. She didn't know how to give up on people because she always believed the good in those she loved. Serena pulled his face down and kissed him feverishly, there was a desperate need in her kiss. A need to keep herself rooted in this reality and close to him. Releasing his lips, she hugged him tightly.

"I should be comforting you not the other way around," he said

He felt her giggle against his neck "you know I don't listen very well"

Sesshomaru scoffed, yes that was true. Serena rarely asked for help for fear of being a burden. Largely out of habit as well, over the years she had to do everything for herself because she had no one else. Most times, he had to force his help on her, yet she was more than willing to go out of her way to help a stranger. Serena shifted laying her head on his shoulder and letting her fingers trail up and down his arm.

"What time is it?" she asked her eyes blinking slowly. Smirking, he knew she wouldn't be awake for much longer considering how little sleep she had gotten that night.

Sesshomaru peered over at this phone

"Almost five in the morning" he answered.

Serena nodded snuggling into his embrace causing Sesshomaru to bring his hand up to the side of her head. Holding her this way made him feel like he was at least doing something to protect her, to keep her safe. He could feel her heart beating and the rise and fall of her shoulders as she breathed.

"Mom is bringing Rin home this morning right?" she mumbled

Sesshomaru played with her hair, letting the silky tresses flow between his fingers.

"Hn" he started "not until later, not everyone can get her up as quickly as you"

"I want to spend the day with you and Rin, just us. Feel normal for once"

Sesshomaru tilted his head and captured her lips briefly. Brushing his knuckles against her cheek, he took a deep breath in of her scent. When she was missing he couldn't smell her and it drove him insane with desperation, not realizing how much he needed to breathe in her smell and let it coat his senses.

"Yes little star, we can" he pulled the blanket up to cover them "but right now, you will close your eyes and get some more sleep" he commanded.

Sesshomaru shifted her so her head laid against his chest, her tiny body tucked into his lap.

"What about you?" she questioned, her eyes fluttering. She was tired, her sleep had been anything but calm and she kept waking up from nightmares. Serena knew how much it worried Sesshomaru and she hated that. The last thing she wanted was for Sesshomaru to have more on his plate than he already did.

He scoffed "I'm daiyokai, I require a lot less sleep than others. Now sleep"

Sesshomaru watched her sleep waiting for the signs of more nightmares. His little star was too good to be plagued by such darkness. It was incredibly difficult to watch her face contort in psychological pain and hear her scream out for help when he was right there. Seeing her in such pain did untold damage to his heart and soul, mainly because he was powerless during those times. All he could do was sit back and hold her until she woke up then try to comfort her. He didn't know but comforting her meant more to her than anything else. All Serena wanted was his arms to hold her and remind her that she was loved. At any small whimper or scrunch of her face, he would rumble low in his chest. The vibrations soothed her, if only for a moment.

"We're home!" Sango called walking into the house later that morning. The children scampering off to play in Shippo's room. It was almost ten in the morning by the time they got home from the city. Izayoi stayed in the city to run some errands so Sango volunteered to bring the kids home. Sesshomaru greeted her at the door.

"How does Serena get her out of bed? It took forever" Sango laughed setting her purse down on the table.

Sesshomaru threw his hands up in defeat.

"No idea, she can work some magic on that girl" he chuckled

They both glanced towards the backyard, standing on deck wrapped up in silence. Sesshomaru made sure to keep her in his sightline all morning. When Serena had gone to the washroom earlier, he paced outside the door for several minutes noting that it never usually took her so long to get ready. He barged in all red-eyed and claws out to find her sitting in a ball on the floor silently crying. His claws retracted immediately and his eyes returned to gold. Sesshomaru pulled her small body into his arms and just held her as she wept. Serena cried about how the dreams made her feel small, weak and alone. How terrified she was that they would lose each other before they had a chance to mate, get married or have pups. Serena had tried to keep it together but she slipped for a moment. Let her pain show. So she let him comfort her and bring her solace when she needed it most but vowed not to slip up again, not when she saw how deeply it pained him.

"How is she?" Sango asked "Miroku filled me in on what happened after I left. That must have hell for you"

Sesshomaru grunted crossing his arms "it is a day I never want to relive ever in my life" he glanced over at Serena "She is trying to be okay but last night was difficult, to say the least. She barely slept more than a few hours, kept waking up from nightmares"

Sango looked sympathetically towards Serena. She wanted to hug her sister and reassure her that they were all there for her. However, she knew that words rarely offered the same comfort as actions so she would do what she could. Sango would help fight this evil so her sister could finally live. She would protect her family.

"Why is he doing this?" she whispered feeling the rage in her rise. What kind of monster murdered so many people for the prospect of power, than to try to hunt down a young girl for so long.

Sesshomaru rubbed his eyes in frustration "he is playing with her, trying to punish her for staying hidden for so long. Trying to break her"

Sango grumbled profanities under her breath "Do you want me to take Rin for you? I have Shippo today"

Sesshomaru shook his head "I appreciate it but Serena wants to spend time as a family, just the three of us"

Meanwhile, Serena stood on the back deck dressing in cut-offs and a flowy top. Her eyes trained on the treeline, it sent shivers through her whole body. A dark presence pulsed, seemingly drawing her back into its grasp. She took a few steps towards the trees.

"You can't escape me" a dark voice whispered in her head. Her hands flew to her chest and gasped.

"Little star?"

Serena whirled around to find Sesshomaru standing a few feet from her, concern written all over his face. One minute she was on the deck, the next she was standing at the edge of the property. Blinking a few times, she took in her surroundings. Somehow she was standing at the edge of the grassy area. Sesshomaru grasped her by the shoulders peering down at her.

"What are you doing out here love?" he questioned

"Sessh" she whispered, she launched herself into his embrace pressing her lips against his. He wrapped his arms around her pulling her body flush against him, feeling her feet stand on his shoes. Chuckling against her lips, he loved how tiny she was.

"I am taking back my home. I don't want to fear it because of him" Serena muttered against his lips, determination blazing in her eyes "he doesn't own me."

Sesshomaru cupped her face, he felt pride swell in his chest. She was so strong and didn't even know it, no matter how often she gets pushed to the ground she stands back up and keeps on fighting.

"My little star, you are stronger then you will ever know. Come let's go find our daughter" he said

Wrapping his arms around Serena, he led her back to the house. She cast a final look over her shoulder at the forest. Determined not to let fear guide her life or ruin her time with the man she loved, she put her arm around Sesshomaru's waist leaning into his body. He squeezed her side in response.

"Are you feeling any better? I know this morning…on the floor. You were distraught, did you have anymore nightmares?"

Serena paused, she could see the fear in his eyes and knew she couldn't tell him the truth. She'd make it through this game and they'd eventually go away. Or so she hoped. If not, it didn't matter, she would protect him as he protected her.

"I was feeling overwhelmed by everything that happened" she paused for a moment "but I am trying to be okay. It may take a little time for the insecure feelings to go away I think. As for the nightmares…who could have nightmares sleeping next to you?" smiling up at him.

Sesshomaru chuckled unaware of her sidestepping the question. Sesshomaru and Serena fetched Rin and surprised her with a day trip to the Aquarium. Rin was extremely excited to be spending the day with her parents, practically vibrating to the car.

For once, Sesshomaru had a smile on his face all day. He watched his girls wander the aquarium, Serena picking up Rin to get a closer look at various exhibits. His heart filled looking at his soon to be mate smile and laugh with their daughter on her hip. Although he did find himself growling when men would stop and stare at Serena licking their lips. His jealous side would come out and he would pull her closer anytime they thought about approaching her. Their intentions clear from their smell.

Watching Serena hold Rin on her hip, Sesshomaru thought to himself that this was what he wanted life to be like. Happy and filled with love. Weekends with his mate and pups. He smirked thinking of all the pups they'd have together and the life they would lead. How quickly and drastically she had changed his life. Sesshomaru would give her the world. He was relieved to see that the nightmares hadn't overly affected her. That night's sleep would be telling whether the torture had affected her. If she woke up screaming then he would know.

"Sesshomaru!" Serena called out to him with Rin smiling widely from her hip "come my love" reaching out to him

He strode over to her, grabbing her hand and pulled his girls into his embrace. For a moment, everything was perfect. His girls were alive and with him, safe in his embrace. They were his only priority. Placing a hand on Rin's head, he kissed his daughter's forehead.

"Are you having a good day sweetheart?"

Rin laughed nodding her head vigorously.

"This is the best day ever! Rin has the best mama and Daddy…" she exclaimed before scrunching her little face-up.

"What is it, sweet girl?" Serena asked brushing back a piece of her hair. She glanced at Sesshomaru, concern written all over her face. For a moment, she was afraid that something had happened to Rin because of her or that Sion had wormed his way into Rin's dreams as well.

"Rin wants mama and daddy to have a baby" Rin confessed

Serena let out a sigh of relief, the smiled softly at her. Rin turned her little hopeful face to look at them both. Rin always wanted more family, she loved her Daddy very much but always dreamed of having a mama and more siblings. Serena blushed unsure how to answer.

"That is not something we can do here Rin," Sesshomaru said looking at Rin then Serena "but your mama and I will give you lots of brothers and sisters…in time"

He embraced his girls kissing Serena on the lips then Rin on the head.

***Later that day***

"Papa look what Daddy bought me!" Rin yelled running into Toga's office holding a giant stuffed Dolphin in her tiny arms. The stuffed animal was practically the same size as Rin, her little smile peeking from behind its head. Toga looked up from the texts he was looking at to see Rin toddling in.

"Wow lovely that is a big dolphin" Toga gushed reaching down to pick her up

"Did you have fun?' he asked kissing her cheek

Rin giggled "Yes! It was so much fun"

"What did you see?"

"We saw all the fish, and sharks and jellyfish" she exclaimed, "I want to show Shippo, where is he?"

Toga set her wiggling body down watching her run out the door as Serena entered.

"Rin! No running please!" she called after the girl.

Toga immediately took a few steps towards her, he hadn't slept all night. He heard her screams and cries for someone to help her, those sounds would haunt him for the rest of his days. Serena looked to him and felt like a little girl all over again. All-day she had felt like she needed a father to hold her and reassure her that everything would be okay. Toga was her Dad now too.

"Dad…" she whispered

Toga took three large steps pulling her into his embrace. She clung to him as a small child would.

"My girl, I've been waiting for you. Are you okay?" he asked pushing his face into her hair "I've never been so worried"

He felt her nod against his chest

"I'm here…I think that's the best I can do right now"

Toga growled "I…I feel like we keep failing you"

Serena pulled away, shock on her face

"Dad stop you aren't. Sion will never stop until he kills me…sometimes I wonder if it would not have been better if I had…" casting her glance downward. She couldn't help the way she was feeling, the nightmare played on her insecurities. At that very moment, she could feel them creep in.

Toga pulled her away harshly narrowing his eyes at her "you finish that sentence and I'll be forced to take you over my knee, am I clear?" his tone firm

"But…" she began

"No!" he chided "you have brought nothing but a joy to this family. If you had…" he couldn't even the words "what would have happened to Sesshomaru? Rin would not have a mother, so you will knock off this nonsense. You are one of my girls and you are more special to me than you realize"

Serena's shoulders slumped, she felt terrible for upsetting him.

"Oh Dad, I'm sorry" hugging him. She didn't want to upset anyone but sometimes she wondered what plans the stars had for her.

"You're back!" and suddenly Serena felt herself being yanked from Toga's arms and squished between Koga and Inuyasha

"How are you doing little sister?" Inuyasha asked with a fangy grin trying to mask his concern

"I'm okay" she answered timidly

"Really?" Koga pushed "Are you sure you are okay?"

Last night had been difficult for everyone, most didn't sleep a wink. Koga found himself sitting in the hallway outside their room with everyone listening to her wake up screaming every few hours. The sound of her scream and cries for help were torture, the pure anguish in her voice was so intense that Kagome had to leave with Inuyasha. He struggled with keeping his rage under control every time Serena screamed in pain.

"Well I hope if I keep saying it then it must be true"

The pair hugged her again causing her to laugh

"Why do I always seem to find you with another man's hands on you?" Sesshomaru teased strolling into his father's office with Miroku trailing behind him.

"Don't know what to tell you Sessh" Serena teased back throwing an arm around each man "they are too irresistible. I may need to trade you in"

The men laughed at Sesshomaru's dissatisfied look. He grabbed her around the middle pulling into his arms. Serena giggled as he nuzzled her face playfully nipping at the skin on her neck. They would never have seen a playful side to Sesshomaru before Serena. She was revealing the real him more and more each passing day.

"It is nice that she still laughs," Miroku said softly placing the stacks of texts on Toga's desk.

Toga nodded picking up a book to flip through. Serena placed a quick kiss on Sesshomaru's lips

"I'm going to go to see the girls and maybe take a nap okay?" she whispered

He nodded in response "do not leave the house and keep someone with you"

She agreed blowing him a kiss on her way out in search of the girls. Sesshomaru watched her leave wanting nothing more than to follow her out and cuddle her in his arms all day. He turned towards the desk, his face turning serious.

"What do we know?" he asked

Miroku sighed scratching his head

"Not as much as we'd like, Toga talked to a few connections and found that ever since the Moon Kingdom fell most of the other kingdoms succumbed to Sion as well. He destroyed them in his search for her. Gaining more followers as he went. That is the interesting part though, Kagome and I don't think any of them are by choice. We theorize that he has manipulated them with some unnatural way"

"How?" Koga inquired

"Well remember Serena showing his planet? That unnatural dark power we saw, what if he found a way to harness it? Use it to control people?" Miroku put out there, his eyes hardened at the thought.

"Fucking kami, is that why some of their guard turned on them?" Inuyasha cursed, his mouth turning into a snarl clenching his claws

Miroku shrugged "I mean maybe, I would have to go back and watch that night again to…"

"NO!" Sesshomaru interrupted "she has been through enough. It is time we start protecting her not throwing to the wolves and expecting her to fight on her own"

Koga scowled and coughed under his breath "not cool man"

Miroku threw his hands up "okay, okay it was only an idea alright?"

If it was true that his followers were being controlled, they questioned how to protect themselves from that same control. Miroku reassured them that he and Kagome had made each family member a talisman to be worn at all times. The men each had a family crest ring and the women had a simple locket to wear. Kagome had used her abilities as the Shikon Miko to bless the wearer from being controlled by dark forces. That should keep the darkness from influencing them posing a threat to Serena. It was at least some good news.

"What do you think his plan is son?" Toga looked to Sesshomaru

"Right now, he is playing with his prey. Trying to punish her for surviving and hiding for as long as she did" Sesshomaru paused feeling his anger rise "I don't what his end goal is, control her to control the crystal perhaps"

"That has to be it" Koga declared "she said they are woven together like fabric right? So if he kills her doesn't that mean the crystal disappears?"

Inuyasha shook his head "would the silver crystal let her die though?"

Toga furrowed his brows "I don't believe it would. She is the light that balances the dark. The crystal has to exist for balance in the universe, why would the stars create it if it can just be taken from its guardian by doing something as simple as killing them? His goal is probably to take her and make her serve him"

Toga shuddered at the thought of his daughter being controlled that way.

Sesshomaru slammed his hands on the desk. All this discussion of Serena dying or Sion getting his dirty murderous hands on her and using her for who knows what was rubbing his resolve raw. Visions of her forced to do whatever Sion bided made his blood boil. Breathing sharply through his nose, Sesshomaru tried not to picture her laying helplessly under that man. Curling his claws into the palms of his hands he pushed the memory far from his mind and focus on something pleasant. As of tomorrow, she would be his in every way and no one would take her from him. No one.

'Anyone who thinks of taking our mate will feel the pain of a thousand deaths' his beast growled loudly.

"So what the hell is the plan?" he snarled

"From now on" Miroku began "no one is to be alone, everyone keeps their talismans on at all times. I'll keep searching for a weakness and Toga is going to reach out to some more connections. Unfortunately, until he shows up again we can't do much. I have no idea how to track him since we know he isn't on earth"

"That's it? That's all we have?" Sesshomaru remarked annoyed

"For now son" Toga reasoned "I have some friends that may have more information. We will stay close together. You take Serena away tomorrow, mate her and propose to her then she will yours and only yours. We will keep working and come up with something"

Sesshomaru sighed hanging his head

"We will get this fucker brother, he won't get away with this" Inuyasha said, determination written all over his face. Koga nodded placing a hand on Sesshomaru's shoulder squeezing it.

"When we find him" Sesshomaru growled his eyes tinting red "I will be the one to kill him. It will be me that delivers his death."