Hey guys, Serena here! Man, things are getting tense with Sesshomaru's mother there. Sesshomaru is going to have to face his mother (I'm scared of my mom so yeah, good luck man). Let us continue to Chapter 17. Keep the comments and reviews going!
Chapter 17
After lunch was served and having to try to keep his mate from burning his mother to crisp, Sesshomaru headed to the room his mother was staying in. Growing up, his mother was known for being cruel to the servants whenever his father was around or not, had expensive taste, and quite a temper. She never cared and told him showing emotions were for the weak and how she needed him to give her a grandson to continue the Taisho bloodline. Sesshomaru the one time she left him out in the cold to fend for himself. That day, he became as cold as the winter air and even though his father was trying to get him to understand that not all humans are bad, just like not every demon was good. He always tries to earn her approval, and nothing seemed to satisfy her. She blamed Izayoi for the death of her mate and hated humans since then. As he was approaching, Inuyasha stopped him.
"Listen Sesshomaru, no matter what happens, I will have your back. Serafina is about to be your mate, and she earned a place in your heart. Your mother is going to try everything to make Serafina quit, but I know Serafina is tough but still leery of your mother. Either Inukimi is going to have to accept your choice or never see her grandchildren again. I am not staying disrespect her but make her realize that you are your own man" said Inuyasha as he went about his way. His younger brother was right. He had to get his mother to understand he was no longer a pup and that no one will disrespect the woman he chose nor his adopted daughters. He took a deep breath and walked towards his mother's room and knocked on the door.
"Enter" said his mother. Inukimi was sitting in a chair and enjoying some tea and snacks one of the servants served her. She ushered the servants out of the room to talk to her only son. She patted a chair and commanded him to sit. Inukimi had a feeling that her son was not here for a social call but to address what had happened in the dining room during lunch.
"Mother, your behavior was unacceptable to say the least. First, you disrespected her parents, then wore a kimono to upstage her, mistreating her servants, and now trying to tell her how to be a ruler. So far, the people of Nadinia are fairing very well. The servants have done amazing work although she had to get rid of a few traitors. The people love her, and she loves them; all are welcome to her kingdom regardless of their species so I do not see you would have a problem with her. If she was a human, you would have probably driven her mad, but she has earned this Sesshomaru's heart. If you continue with this, I will have you to leave and come back when you can treat my bride with respect. I will always be your son, but I am a man with a family of my own to raise and can make my own decisions. I will give them the family I never got a chance to have" said Sesshomaru.
Inukimi stared and grew slightly upset. He adopted a human girl and now a half-demon princess then acknowledged his brother to the courts, which pissed her off to no end. She hoped that maybe her son would choose a demoness of her liking, but hearing everything he said, she knew there was no changing his mind. She sighed and sipping a little tea then spoke.
"Fine, if that is what you decided, so be it. I care not, but if she does anything that I do not like then I will speak my mind. There are demonesses back home that you could have chosen, given you strong heirs, and much more, but it seems your taste in women is just like that of your father's" she seethed. Sesshomaru growled and banged his fist on the table.
"If you were not so cold, arrogant, mean, and bitchy, then maybe my father could have grown to love you. Izayoi loved my father, regardless of his status. You just wanted a title! You never cared for me, you made me what I am today but Rin, Syuri, and many other people around me made me realize what family and love really are! You were not exactly Mother of the Year!" Sesshomaru yelled.
The room got quieted and Inukimi growled. She was trying to teach her son what a ruler truly is, how emotions can have you killed, and how to fend for himself. She was treating Sesshomaru the same way her parents treated her. She could only hope he would understand. Inukimi realized that her son was not the same cold-hearted young man she raised and wanted to blame her mate's bastard child for it.
"I am guessing my mate's bastard child has filled your head with nonsense! You are not the "Aristocratic Assassin" I raised! Do you really care about him over your own mother?!" she yelled.
"Yes, because now I realized all the pain I had put him through. Rin showed me compassion, Inuyasha taught me to not judge a book by its cover, and Serafina taught me that love makes you stronger, not weaker. Maybe you should stay in your room and think about what I have said" Sesshomaru said and closed the door, leaving his mother with her thoughts. Inukimi sighed. She was going to have to accept her son's choice, but she was going to test Serafina in every way to see if she can handle being a Taisho.
Sesshomaru went to the spring for a nice bath. While enjoying the hotel water, he remembered that he needed to get a gift for Serafina. He went to Totosai to forge her a beautiful sword from his fang. He also planned tomorrow to go into the village here in Nadinia to find another gift for her and something for his daughters as well, however, he thought to maybe ask Tara, who knows Serafina more for some suggestions. He scrubbed himself with the sandalwood soap bar Kagome brought from her time then proceeded to dry off. He dressed and cleaned when he saw Tara who was in the arms of her mate, a dog demon. Tara waved and headed into Sesshomaru's direction.
"Lord Sesshomaru is there something you wanted to ask me?" said Tara.
"Yes, Nadinia has some beautiful shops, any recommendations for a gift for her Empress? Something that fits her and her fiery personality" he asked. Tara's eyes lit up. She knew Nadinia like the back of her hand and recommended at least three different places. A bakery that serves the finest cakes, a spider demon who is a seamstress that makes the most beautiful and silkiest kimonos, and a place with amazing accessories. Sesshomaru jot it down on a scroll and thanked Tara as she walked away.
"Papa! Can we go with you to get mommy her gift?! Please!" Syuri and Rin pleaded. Sesshomaru nodded and said they were leaving tomorrow morning for it. The girls squealed as Sesshomaru winced due to his sensitive hearing. He told them not to say anything to Serafina and the girls promised as they ran off to play.
"Lord Sesshomaru, a messenger has arrived. He says that he brings you a gift from Totosai," said Hoang. Sesshomaru took the sword and paid the messenger well and admired the sword. The blade was beautiful with a handle of a golden phoenix bird. Totosai said the sword is named Sarai with the ability to cut down 200,000 foes along with the fact it can change color, depending on what element Serafina was controlling. The sword was both beautiful and deadly like Serafina. Sesshomaru felt like Serafina would love the blade and ask Tara to wrap it and hide it where Serafina could not see it. Sesshomaru looked forward to the ball as he could not wait to tell everyone who his intended was. He headed down where the chefs were cooking dinner.
Serafina and her mother were in the dining room, trying dishes that chefs from all over Japan have bought for the Empress to sample. Not only would that dish be served, but that lucky chef would be offered a position as the head chef and a golden spoon along with bringing honor to their village. Each dish tasted good until one chef brought his dish while winking at Serafina. Sesshomaru growled.
"I am Maru, a chef from the village of Ryhdia and my signature dish is grilled fish, seasoned with rosemary, salt, and garlic with steamed jasmine rice and vegetables. Enjoy" he said. The women dug in until Serafina's eyes began to water. Alina grew concerned as well as Sesshomaru. The Sesshomaru sniffed the dish and almost gagged. The smell of rosemary was overpowering to the point his intended could not finish the dish. Alina even pushed away her plate.
"Maybe your daughter does not have any tastebuds! My food is worthy of Gods!" he yelled. Sesshomaru sped over and held the man by his throat. The man gulped recognizing him as Lord Sesshomaru, the Aristocratic Assassin. He pleaded with the lord.
"That woman you insulted is my future mate! The rosemary in your dish is so strong that not even normal dogs would eat it! Demons have sensitive noses and if anything happens to my mate or mother-in-law getting ill from your dishes, I will give my mate your head as a gift" Sesshomaru growled. Maru apologized and bowed. He grabbed his dish and ran for the hills. Other chefs saw and trembled in fear as they talked in whispers.
"Lord Sesshomaru is mating the Phoenix Empress. She is lucky indeed" whispered a chef. Another chef whispered that Sesshomaru almost beheaded a chef that cooked a dish that made his adopted daughter fall ill. They knew not to get on his bad side. Alina smiled and got another chair.
"Sesshomaru, would you like to join us in this tasting? My daughter could not stop eyeing you the whole time" she said, earning a blush from her daughter. Sesshomaru nodded and joined the women. Dish after dish was served along with some of the delicious teas, sake, and wine was given. After much eating and talking, a young chef named Dai was selected and given his uniform to start. Sesshomaru laughed and talk with his mate as they talked about the ball and other things. Serafina told Sesshomaru about her mating gift to him, but it would have to wait until after the ball was over. He was curious about what his intended had in mind. Alina grinned like a cat who ate a canary.
I will be getting those grandkids soon. Poor Sesshomaru, the gift she plans to give you is something on her body. I am so glad I had that short kimono made for her. It's the reason why Haru can't resist me she thought and went about her merry way. Serafina did not know whether to be scared or slightly happy when her mother smiled like that. Haru knew what that smile meant and only hope Alina wasn't up to anything mischievous. Sesshomaru just shrugged and walked his intended to the garden while telling her to close her eyes. She giggled and wondered what it could be.
As they arrived, he told her to open his eyes. She was stunned. It was a beautiful Japanese garden with koi fish swimming, a Sakura tree, a bench, and lanterns dimly lit. The full moon in view along with beautiful flowers blooming. She smiled and Sesshomaru felt proud. Him and Haru worked on the garden together with Haru hiring the best landscapers and Sesshomaru describing his idea of the garden he had in mind for his bride. He explained what him and Haru did. She kissed him under the moonlight as they held each other. For the first time in his life, he felt peace. They watched the moon until they headed to bed, going their separate ways.
Syuri and Rin watched and high fived each other. "We will be getting a little brother soon, Rin. I can see it now," said Syuri. The girls giggled and Serafina came in to kiss them goodnight.
"I love you, my darlings" said Serafina as she kissed their foreheads. The girls went to bed and Serafina changed into a light blue sleeping yukata and drifted into the land of dreams. Unbeknownst to her, Inukimi watched her as she slept. Inukimi smiled.
I will not lose to this woman, and I will drive to the point where she will have no choice but to leave my son. I shall find a worthy wife for him she thought and went about her way. Inuyasha stealthily watched and had to find a way to warn Sesshomaru about his mother's plan.
Sorry bitch, but I will be damned if you ruin Sesshomaru's chance at happiness because of your selfishness! You have fucked up his life enough! Gotta tells this to Kagome first! He thought as he headed to bed. In their room, Inuyasha told Kagome everything and to say she was shocked was an understatement.
"Why can't that pompous bitch let him be?! If Sesshomaru gets wind of this, she is going to lose him forever! Serafina is going to be pissed. We need to find a way to stop this because there is one more day until the ball because he deserves to be happy" said Kagome when Alina knocked on the door. Kagome told her to come in and saw the blank stare on her face. The couple was scared since Serafina told them that when Alina stares blankly, nothing good happens. Alina began to speak.
"If Inukimi is going to think that I am going to stand there and let her destroy my daughter's happiness, she's got another thing coming. She wants to play, let's play you uppity bitch" Alina sneered and came up with a plan of her own. Inuyasha smiled like a madman. Him and Alina were going to be the best of friends especially as in-laws. After talking, Alina bid everyone goodnight and headed to her room. She sat in bed with her husband and smiled as she read her book. Haru silently prayed that there would be no bloodshed between Alina and Inukimi.
Kami, please help us all thought Haru as he went to bed.
Morning came and Serafina woke up and headed to her bath. She scrubbed herself the rose and lilac body wash she had bought from a merchant in town while washing her hair. Serafina heard Inukimi thoughts and smirked. This woman did not know when to stop and now the gloves were coming off. No one was going to take Sesshomaru from her, even if she had to fight his own mother for the right to mate with Sesshomaru. She changed into a lilac kimono with flowers and kept her hair black. She headed to breakfast where she was greeted by everyone except Inukimi who plastered a fake smile on her face.
"I would suggest keeping your appearance up, my dear. I would hate for some other woman to take my son from you" sneered Inukimi. Serafina put on a fake smile too.
"Do not worry about me, mother-in-law. I assure you that there are other things our son loves about besides my body. You need to be worried about yours since you do not have a mate and must be so lonely," said Serafina. Inuyasha stifled a laugh where Alina smirked, and Sesshomaru had to keep his composure. Inukimi growled. The girl was going to pay.
"Sesshomaru, dear. The women in this village are attractive. Why did you not take one of them instead of a former human turned demon? We do not need another bastard spawn tainting the Taisho blood" said Inukimi. Sesshomaru saw how Inuyasha was trying not to claw Inukimi's throat out.
"This is coming from a woman who lost to my mother for my father's affections! My father must have been drinking too much sake to have you as a wife" said Inuyasha as Alina spit out her tea. After a tense breakfast, Sesshomaru took the girls out to the village.
"Be safe, my darlings" said Serafina as she had an appointment with the seamstress for her formal kimono for the ball. As Inukimi headed upstairs, Haru stopped her.
"If you do not stop what you are doing, you will lose not only your son but the respect of so many people. Sesshomaru may be your son, but everyone has limits" he warned and walked away. Inukimi scoffed and walked away. "Sesshomaru would never abandon me. I gave birth to him" she mumbled. Alina had a vision and saw a lonely Inukimi; she smiled sadly.
"Inukimi, you are going to lose the most precious thing because of your pride. Toga, if you are listening, help your son for he is going to need it" she prayed and walked away where she swore, she heard Toga's voice in the wind saying, "I will". Alina headed towards the kitchen to talk with the chefs about tomorrow's ball along with the servants to make sure everything was perfect. She had a ball to plan.
Sesshomaru and his daughters enjoyed everything Nadinia offered. They enjoyed a picnic, desserts, and even bought the girls new kimonos, toys, and shoes. Serafina sent servants to help him carry things back to the palace. Sesshomaru even let some of the servants enjoy the picnic with them. He came across the spider demoness that was a seamstress. She smiled and greeted Lord Sesshomaru.
"I have the kimono made just for the Empress. It fits her truly" she said. The kimono was the colors of fire (red, orange, and yellow) with a golden phoenix in the back, a golden obi, and golden heels. It came with a golden comb with a phoenix emblem on it. Sesshomaru her generously and put it away.
"Yay! Now to the jeweler! His name is Ichiro and he's a dragon demon that specializes in crafting some of the most beautiful jewelry" said Syuri as she pointed the way. They made their way to the jeweler where he greeted them with a smile. He greeted and handed Syuri and Rin their gifts.
"Necklaces for the future princesses" he said, and the girls thanked him. "Lord Sesshomaru, after describing our Empress, I made the perfect necklace for her," said Ichiro. The necklace was made with a fire opals, rubies and a golden chain. It even came with matching earrings and a bracelet.
"Mommy going to look like the ultimate Empress," said Rin. Sesshomaru was impressed and had it put into a nice box. After a day of shopping, the group headed home. Sesshomaru looked forward to tomorrow and giving his bride her gifts. Suddenly, Serafina telepathically contacted him.
Serafina
Darling, listen to me. I need you to return immediately. Your mother is up to something. I feel ill; I ate an apple and next thing you know I felt sick. Hurry. The link severed as Sesshomaru, and everyone rushed back. Sesshomaru sped to his beloved room and found Serafina unconscious. The girls began to cry and Inuyasha was stunned. He picked up the apple and sniffed it. It was poison and from the smell, it came from a flower. Doctors came and brought Serafina to the bed. Kagome comforted the children while Sesshomaru was beside himself with rage.
"Who served her that apple? Tell me or die by my hands" said Sesshomaru to a maid. The woman stuttered and looked horrified. She knew that if she said whom, things would go bad.
"Lady Inukimi said she had a gift. The apple was meant for Lady Alina, but the Empress must have taken a bite by mistake. Please forgive me" the maid said. Haru was beyond angry at this point. Inukimi made him angry for trying to make his daughter suffer, but to try and kill his wife was beyond cruel. He had guards sent to Inukimi's room and to bring her to the throne room. Everyone except Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, Kagome, and the rest of the family stayed watching over Serafina.
"She only took a bite for had she eaten the whole thing, she would been seriously ill. This poison not only can kill someone, but it can also cost loss of fertility if consumed daily. Thank goodness it was only a bite" said the doctor and left. Kagome went over to Serafina used her Miko powers and purified the poison in Serafina's system and cured her illness before fainting. Inuyasha caught her.
'She used too much power" he said and took her to their room. Sesshomaru thanked his brother and held Serafina's hand. Rin and Syuri were worried for their mother; they went to her side and knelt to pray.
"Kami, if you are listening, please don't take our mother away from us. If you do, papa will be sad and so will everyone else. Please help her" they said in unison and left for bed. Sesshomaru stayed and laid next to her wrapped her in his mokomoko as she shivered. He kissed her forehead.
"Please wake up, my love. For if I lose you, This Sesshomaru will never love anyone else again. Mother, you have crossed the line. Father, now I understand what it means to truly love and protect someone" he said and went to sleep. Toga's spirit watched over the couple as they slept.
"I am proud of you, my son" said Toga as he faded away.
Inukimi paced the floor and started to panic. The apple was for Alina, but now Serafina took a bite and fell ill; if her son found out what she tried to do, she could only imagine what his wrath made be for her, or he would strip her of her ladyship or much worse. She also worried about the wrath of Alina, Serafina's mother. Before she could think of a plan, Alina burst into her room with the guards and gave Inukimi a slap so hard that her ancestors would feel it.
"You bitch! You almost killed my daughter! Haru told me that you had gotten the apple for me but my daughter bit it instead! If my daughter does not get better, I will kill you myself and your son will not even bat an eye if I kill you! The ball is tomorrow so my daughter's better open or I will send you to Hell myself. Stand guard near her door and have food and drink bought to her room and keep her away from the Empress" she said and stormed off.
Inukimi was scared for the first time in her life. It would only be a matter of time before word spreads and her reputation would be shredded. She would request her son to visit her room and prayed that her son's rage had cooled off some. She was the Lady of the West and Sesshomaru's mother even her son would not be as cruel as to cast her out of his life. She began to close her eyes, not knowing what tomorrow is going to bring.
Inukimi went too far and hopefully Serafina wakes up before the ball tomorrow! What will happen? Stayed tuned for Chapter 18: The Ball