Okay guys! I realized that maybe I did rush Serafina and Sesshomaru's relationship a bit so I plan to make learn more about each other and find a way to make Serafina worthy in Sesshomaru's eyes, but I will figure it out. Serafina tells Sesshomaru more about Kyoran and Inuyasha and Kagome tells Shippo some big news. Thanks for reading guys and keep up with the reviews, comments, and suggestions. Here is Chapter Four!
Chapter Four
Sesshomaru and his crew were given a tour of the palace. The gardens were beautiful, a sparring ground, the throne room, dining room, and there was even an area in the garden for children to play in. Kagome was in awe at how beautiful the gardens were, especially with the Sakura blossom trees in one of them. Serafina had libraries, a study, a room where she would talk to other lords about how to help their villages and people and her many baths that she had.
"Feel free to explore to your liking. I have some scrolls to send out to the lords that have been asking for my hand in marriage," said Serafina. Sesshomaru took it as some of the lords who wanted to marry did not have good intentions. He knew that feeling all too well. Most demonesses were told by their fathers the benefits of becoming his wife and Sesshomaru did not want just any woman as his mate now that he had Rin, his daughter whom he adopted.
"Do you not want to be married? You are a beautiful woman." Kagome said.
"I do, but only to a man who is worthy, not some bastard who wants my money, power, and beauty. I have been hurt before and I am not taking any chances. Kyoran has left emotional scars that will take time to heal. Like you Kagome, I was human but has special powers as well," said Serafina.
"Powers?" said Sesshomaru, curiously inquired. How was she a demon? He was curious as to why would her mate kill her. Either she gave birth to a girl, too clingy, or he did something wrong. His brother's mate was 500 years from the future and had miko powers. He wanted to know more, especially since it was rare for a human to become a demon.
"My mother Alina is human but she has seer powers so she can see into the future. She can also telepathically talk to me, my sister, and father along with being an elemental such as controlling earth and water. My father's name is Haru. Haru Takahashi" said Serafina.
"I know your father Haru. He was the only human my father Lord InuTaisho trusted and were friends for many years. I never knew you were one of his daughters" Sesshomaru said. Sesshomaru remembered Haru from when he was young. Lord Toga saved him from a bear demon and has been indebted to him since. Haru always talked about his family, especially his wife and daughters. He wondered if Haru was still alive, probably an old man by now.
"I heard your thoughts, Lord Sesshomaru and yes, my father is alive. When I was murdered by Kyoran, a phoenix bird resurrected me saying that my people and daughter needed me plus Kyoran has caused his people much suffering. Along with resurrecting me, she gave me and my family immortality. Once Syuri turns 24, she too will stop aging and shall I choose to have another mate, he too will share my lifespan. I can also give friends my lifespan if they wish so" she said.
"It must be hard to watch the people in your kingdom grow old and pass away. I cannot fathom the thought of leaving Inuyasha and it will be hard watching my family grow old and die" said Kagome, tears pricking her eyes. Inuyasha held her and then had an idea.
"Kagome, we are married and mated. All I need to do is bite your shoulder and take a bit of your blood and you will share my lifespan. I do not want to lose you. "I want us to raise your pups and be together forever" said Inuyasha. Serafina smiled at how Kagome had a mate who truly loved her.
"I will tell you more information about Kyoran during dinner but for now, I will have Tara show you to your rooms" said Serafina as she headed towards her study. Tara showed everyone to their rooms and said dinner is being prepared. Inuyasha and Kagome went to their room, and it was quite luxurious. A beautiful canopy bed of red and gold pillows, comforters, and sheets, a beautiful balcony overlooking the gardens, fireplace with beautiful Persian rugs and a beautiful bathroom with a lovely bathtub that could fit at least three people.
"Wow, this is nice, Inuyasha and the bed is so comfortable too!" said Kagome as she laid on it. The wardrobe has many different kimonos for both, accessories for Kagome's hair and sandals galore. "I feel like a princess" Kagome added. Inuyasha loved seeing Kagome happy and under Sesshomaru's guidance, he will make a fine lord and give Kagome everything he never had.
"I promise you, Kagome. I will give you and our pups the life you guys truly deserve" said Inuyasha as he held her tight.
"Inuyasha, I was thinking about something since you mentioned pups. It's about Shippo." Said Kagome.
"What about him?" said Inuyasha.
"I want us to adopt him and become his parents. He is still a child and I want him to grow up in a happy and loving home. Please Inuyasha, he's like a son to me" she pleaded. Inuyasha too developed a soft spot towards Shippo although the runt drove him crazy, he was like a father figure to him. No kid should ever go through what he went through.
"Fine. When we get down for dinner, we can tell him the good news of him becoming a Taisho. That's a nice ring to it. Shippo Taisho" said Inuyasha as he kissed his mate's neck and squeezed her left breast under her kimono.
"Inuyasha" moaned Kagome as she kissed him and pulled him down with her. She was aroused and Inuyasha sensed it and was about to open her kimono until Tara said "Dinner" through the door. Frustrated, Inuyasha and Kagome fixed themselves and they decided to bathe and dress for dinner. Inuyasha wore an outfit like Sesshomaru's, but it was red with a black obi and Kagome wore a red kimono with Sakura blossoms with a silver obi and black sandals. Her black hair was combed, and a beautiful silver comb adorned her hair.
Chefs were cooking and servants started putting an array of delicious dishes such as jasmine rice, tempura vegetables and shrimp along with delicious grilled fish and vegetables plus miso soup. Assortments of sake, tea, and water from the purest well was served as well. Dessert was a delicious Japanese cheesecake.
"Dig and enjoy. I have hired some of the finest chefs in Japan. Maybe you should also attend the food festival that we are having tomorrow where some of Nadinia's finest cooks and bakers have some of the most delicious food you will ever have" she said and took some rice and grilled fish. Servants poured tea for the children and sake for the adults. Kagome preferred tea which was fine since she was not used to alcohol. Inuyasha took a plate and surprisingly enjoyed the food that was served even surprising Sesshomaru with his new manners. As everyone was eating, Inuyasha cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention.
"Shippo, Kagome and I have something to announce. We have decided to adopt you as our son. Welcome to the Taisho family. We are going to be your mother and father now." Inuyasha said, waiting for Shippo's reaction. Shippo's eyes welled with tears and got up to hug both Inuyasha and Kagome.
"Really?! You guys will be my parents! Thank you, Mama and Papa," he said and hugged them. Kagome hugged him tighter.
"Yeah runt, you're our kid now" said Inuyasha proudly. Dinner went on with talking and drinking. Rin talked to Shippo and Syuri about Lord Sesshomaru adopting her. Everything was fine until Syuri's ice powers made the room temperature drop. Serafina calmed Syuri down only for Syuri to yell at her.
"IT'S NOT FAIR! WHY DOES RIN AND SHIPPO GET PARENTS AND I DON'T?! I WANT A DADDY TOO! I WISH I WAS BORN A BOY JUST LIKE DADDY WANTED!" yelled Syuri who ran into her room in tears. Everyone was stunned.
"I am sorry. Please excuse me" said Serafina as she left the table. Sesshomaru smelled the scent of tears from Serafina.
"I am sorry, Papa. Rin didn't mean to make Syuri feel bad. I was just excited" said Rin, feeling guilty.
"It is okay, Rin. Maybe you and Shippo should comfort Syuri. She needs her friends" said Sesshomaru.
"Okay" both kids said and went into Syuri's room but not before going to wash their hands. Inuyasha couldn't help but feel sorry for Syuri. He knew what it was like being despised for being a half-demon and not growing up without a father especially when he learned from his mother that he died protecting them. Sesshomaru said he was an honorable man.
Inuyasha got up and headed to the kids' room and saw Shippo and Rin tried everything, but Syuri's eyes were blank. Inuyasha slowly approached her, telling the kids to go play in the garden. Serafina watched from afar, masking her scent as the hanyou approached her daughter.
"Look kid, I know what it is like not growing up without a father. My father died protecting me and my mother on the night I was born. I grew up being picked on by BOTH humans and demons for my heritage and it stung. After my mother died, I was left to fend for myself. No family, just surviving. I hate to say it, kid but your father is a bastard who doesn't realize what an amazing kid you are. Just remember: Don't change for anyone. You are fine just the way you are" Inuyasha said, taking a deep breath.
Serafina, Sesshomaru, and the others couldn't believe it! Inuyasha was pouring his heart out to Syuri; to be willing to tell a stranger, much less a five-year-old child about his life took a lot of courage. Sesshomaru felt ashamed for his treatment of Inuyasha. His brother fended for himself while he had the luxury of living in a palace with tutors, food, and a warm bed. He decided that he would make it up to Inuyasha and that their father would be smiling from the heavens at his two sons getting along.
Syuri hugged Inuyasha and cried into his chest.
"What makes a boy so special than a girl? I am just as capable. You're right, Yashie. My daddy is missing out on a wonderful kid, but I have a mommy who loves me with all her heart" said Syuri who started to smile. Inuyasha blushed and said a light "Keh". Eventually she came out of her room and apologized for her behavior and was easily forgiven by the others. As everyone was winding down for bed and the table was cleared, Serafina was still awake and sitting in her study, going over scrolls from other lords. Some were for her hand in marriage, others were for help with food and supplies.
"I see you are still awake. I am guessing some lords do not understand the hint?" said Sesshomaru, raising an eyebrow. He knew how frustrating it was that some lords did not understand that he was not interested in their daughters. He sat down and watched her then asked a question.
"Kyoran was your mate, you say? What happened if I may ask?" said Sesshomaru. Maybe by figuring out the relationship Serafina and Kyoran had, he could figure out if he could get Serafina to help them.
"Yes, Kyoran was my mate. My father and Kinjiro, Kyoran's father were allies and friends. Kinjiro suggested to my father that by me and Kyoran being married, our kingdoms would work together and Kinjiro's army was very powerful so his soldiers could help my father's army which was still small. Once we were married, Kyoran became cruel. He would beat and tell me that my job was to serve him and give him an heir. Kinjiro was no better. He was chauvinistic and believed that women were good for sex, giving birth, and serving men" she said as tears pricked her eyes, but she quickly wiped him and started to finish.
"I gave birth to a child, but it was girl and Kyoran was furious. He wanted to kill Syuri, but Kinjiro begged him to spare the child and let me raise her, so Kyoran left her to me. As Syuri grew, he started to resent her as other lords bragged about their grandchildren being gifted. Kinjiro, despite his mean façade, he truly loved Syuri and secretly trained me to fight when his son was away even reading to Syuri at night and doting on her. I found out Kyoran had an affair with my lady in waiting Raina who was pregnant with a boy. He murdered me and Kinjiro was beside himself with rage" she added.
Sesshomaru was surprised! Kyoran had an affair with a maid, and she carried a boy. He knew that if Serafina told his father, he would be disowned and humiliated. Kinjiro really did have a heart under his toughness. It was sad that Kinjiro did not live long enough to see his grandchild grow and now his son took over the throne, seeking revenge against him and Inuyasha. It was years ago so why did he want to settle the score now? Pride and honor played a huge factor. Kyoran was known to be cruel, arrogant, and chauvinistic but even Kinjiro was not the monster everyone thought him to be.
"Once I resurrected, Kyoran disappeared, and Raina paid with her life. My daughter and people rejoiced and since then, Kyoran and I became enemies. I vowed to get revenge on him for what he has done to me and his people. If he is not defeated, he will try to take over my lands and won't stop until he is the dominant one and that is everything I know" she said.
"Serafina, I and my brother cannot defeat him alone so I will need your help. You can get your revenge and both our kingdoms will be at peace. He is calculating and will try to use the ones we care about against us. Will you help me?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Of course, I will, Lord Sesshomaru. Kyoran is a threat to both of us and even though he is Syuri's father, he broke our mating bond the moment he slept with that woman. We need to come up with a strategy but for right now, let's head off to bed. Goodnight, my Lord" she said and slightly smiled at him. After Serafina left for her room, Sesshomaru retired to his room and slept.
Okay guys! Inuyasha and Kagome adopted Shippo and Syuri showed a bit of her powers. Things are getting interesting now. Now Sesshomaru has a lot of information about Kyoran and with Serafina on their side, they may have a chance of defeating Kyoran. Review, comments, and offer suggestions. Thanks for reading!
