InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Journey Into the Past, Present, and Future. ❯ Getting Acquainted ( Chapter 3 )

Chapter Three

Death had showed itself on his door. It was the moment he most dreaded. His meal would have been most enjoyable if Jubei had not been glaring at him most of the time. In that, he had to dismiss him. He noticed his father's retainer had left without a fuss.

After he had finished his meal, which filled him but did not fulfill him, the servants had immediately, cleared out the room of dishes. He remained there, silent. He turned to look outside, once more at the magnificent garden. As if by reflex, he gracefully stood up and moved towards the opened doors for a better look. The smell of flowers overpowered him with their sweet smelling aroma. He took a slow, deep wiff of the air.

He stood there, frozen like a statue, in deep thought, contemplating the view before him. It was not the same garden he had left. It was different, somehow. Earlier on, a servant had informed him that his father would grace himself, soon. Sesshoumaru imagined he knew the cause for the older youkai's tardiness. It must have been that woman. Worse of all, that pregnant woman. He sighed in disappointment. She must be a witch or so, he thought. Only a witch could cast so powerful a spell to render his father stupid.

In that instance, InuTaisho appeared at the throne room. He stopped his advancement upon seeing Sesshoumaru lost in the beauty of the garden outside. The Youkai Lord smiled as he candidly admired his son from the back. Jubei had told him he was here. Although, he noticed Jubei in somewhat of a rotten mood. Sesshoumaru stirred the moment he sensed his father's presence. He turned to face his progenitor, who in turn, greeted him grinning from ear to ear, unnerving Sesshoumaru a little.

"Welcome home, son," he said with bared fangs and a smile to his eyes.

Sesshoumaru quickly bowed on his knees in reverence, staring down on the tatami padding his knees. He dared not lift his head to look his father in the eye until he was granted permission to direct a word. InuTaisho filled with joy, walked over to the younger version of himself and stood an armlength before his pride and joy. Sesshoumaru sensed his father's figure overshadow him. Staring at his old man's feet, he noticed the elder getting down on his own knees, placing his hands upon his shoulders. Without a word, Sesshoumaru felt himself being pulled into his father's body, caught in a strong embrace, surprising the Prince completely. Feeling the man's arms around his shoulders and his head resting on his, Sesshoumaru brought his own arms catching InuTaisho around the waist, closing his eyes in surrender as he finally gave in by resting his own head on his shoulder.

"I love you, son," he said, rubbing his boy's white head.

In that moment, Sesshoumaru thought his heart would give out.

"Son, I would like you to meet, Izayoi," said InuTaisho, gently leading his pregnant wife, holding her securely.

Sesshouamru looked down on the diminutive woman. Golden eyes stared into warm brown ones as warm brown ones stared up into golden. Indeed, he had to hand it to the old man for selecting a pretty one, for she was pretty for a human. Of course, not that Sesshoumaru had ever taken special notice of humans and their physical appearances.

Izayoi's first impression was one filled with awe. Her husband's son was indeed an impressive sight to behold. She did not, however, imagined him to be a full grown adult. He looked as old as her own brother. No, by the way her Lord talked of his own son, it gave her the impression that he was a teenaged boy.

"I am happy you are here, Sesshoumaru-sama. Your father talks a great deal of you, telling me how proud he is," she smiled, leaning against InuTaisho for support. He, in turn, mirrored her happiness with a smile of his own.

Simply, Sesshoumaru did not get it. How could this human female be the cause of such happiness in his father? Like, just awhile ago, the old man had put his arms around him. Not that Sesshoumaru protested. The gesture, although, unexpected, felt warm and nice. Still, he did not understand. Why this mere mortal could never compete with any of the females of his race and status. It was, also, true, she was bearing his father's heir. No, it was still not enough to explain the expression of joy on his Lord Father's face. What was even worse, Sesshoumaru realized, was that the child she carried was tainted, meaning his father was about to sire a hanyou runt and that, HE, Sesshoumaru, was to be its brother. Be it boy or girl, it was going to be a nuisance. It was a fact, he thought, that hanyous were born half-witted.

Definitely, he concluded, his father had gone stupid.

"Son?," his father spoke, dragging him out of his thoughts.

Sesshoumaru responded by looking at his father. "Izayoi could do nothing but talk about finally meeting you," that fact was obvious since there was nothing else a pregnant woman could do to buy her time. Much less, pregnant human females who were weaker in constitution than youkai ones. His look was stoic. InuTaisho shot him a glance leaning towards a threat. Sesshoumaru recognized `the look' full well. His eyes said it all.

"So," continued his father, "I will leave you two alone so you can get better acquainted while I tend to issues," he said, not specifying what the "issues" were. Sesshoumaru did not want to be left alone with his father's new wife. It was obvious, though, that InuTaisho had this played out from the start. Sesshoumaru said nothing. Gently, he watched his father carefully set Izayoi on the floor, against two huge pillows for soft support. There was no way on this green Earth that he would stay conversing with this woman! There was no way at all!

"Father, do you not need me with you?," Sesshoumaru questioned, praying the answer would be Yes.

InuTaisho did not reply at the moment. He was busy fluffing up the human's pillow. He wanted to make sure his wife was comfortable. She smiled at all his attentions. Sesshoumaru waited, impatiently, for the man to reply.

"Father?"

"No," his answer was flat but firm.

"But?"

He turned on his knees and motioned Sesshoumaru to take a seat right next to his stepmother. He looked down at the unoccupied spot, then at his father, trying to mask his disgruntlement. Seeing that his son had not apparently taken the hint, InuTaisho tapped the empty space twice, indicating where he should sit. "Have a seat, son," his father insisted with sharp steel in his voice and a smile on his lips. The eyes told another story.

Sesshoumaru obeyed, reluctantly. He sat where he was designated. InuTaisho was satisfied and did not have qualms about expressing his satisfaction. "The both of you will talk. I am sure, son, you have a lot of interesting things to share with Izayoi. Afterall, she is a woman of culture and of great intelligence," he informed, putting the finishing touches to his pillow fluffing.

Izayoi broke out in a giggle, which pleased the Lord of the Western Lands. "Koibito, what is so intelligent about storytelling and flower arranging?," finishing in more laughter, sounding like a flutter of butterfly wings to Sesshoumaru's sensitive ears.

InuTaisho smiled and replied ever so lovingly to her, "Your wonderful imagination, my love, which our child will enjoy as much as I have." With that, he planted a soft kiss on her cheek. Izayoi gazed lovingly into his amber eyes. This made Sesshoumaru sick. But, he fought the urge to roll his eyes.

She brought her delicate hand up to caress his face. "I love you," she said. How heart-warming, Sesshoumaru thought as his jaw went rigid. Now, the thing that really sent a chill up the young youkai's spine was when his father reciprocated her words with a kiss, full on the lips. The kiss, somehow, had deepened and extended, causing Sesshouamru to shift uncomfortably. If this went on longer, they would have to make room for a larger litter.

"Ahem!," Sesshoumaru feigned clearing his throat. InuTaisho heard him but ignored. "I am right here," he mumbled to himself as his father became too caught up with his display of affection. InuTaisho fought to hold back a smirk as he kissed Izayoi. She, in turn, felt his lips curve up when he gave in to his pleasure.

"Father, do you not have important business so urgently in need of your attention?," he decided to interrupt the make-out session.

InuTaisho sighed. Of all the evil things in the world, he rolled his eyes in despair. Izayoi pat his cheek affectionately. "He it right," she reminded. "Do not worry, we will be fine as long as we have Sesshoumaru protecting us." He laid one last kiss on her warm lips, then, turned to his son, placing a hand on his left shoulder.

"I am counting on you, then." He looked at Sesshoumaru with pride.

"Yes, Father."

Assured, InuTaisho left them alone in the vastness of the throne room. This was going to prove difficult, Sesshoumaru realized, for he did not feel like making conversation with Lady Izayoi.

It was quiet.

"So, how had your mother been?," Fantastic, she spoke. Now, he felt obligated to answer her question.

"To some extent, well," he answered without looking at her, managing to keep it short.

"Has she been ill?" Another question for answering.

"It rather depends upon your perspective of things."

It was quiet again.

This was not going all that well, was the thought in Izayoi's head.

"Your father told me of your mother's situation and I completely understand."

"The situation or my mother?"

"The first. Even I know the discomforts she had to endure."

"Lady Izayoi?," he finally looked at her. "Is this your first child?"

"Yes."

"I see. For Mother, however, this is her fourteenth. You would think it would get easier."

"Fourteenth?"

"I be her twelth. You will meet my sisters soon enough," he said, flatly.

"I have no sisters, just three brothers."

"Your parents were fortunate to have had three sons. I, Sesshoumaru, be the only son after eleven sisters." He was serious.

From their `conversation', Izayoi could tell Sesshoumaru was not particularirly comfortable with talking all together She contemplated the world outside. The garden was beautiful, she realized many times.

"Your father told me he did not care whether the baby be a boy or a girl, but I have been praying for a boy," she confessed. Suddenly, Sesshoumaru's interest sparked.

"Why?" He asked out of curiousity.

"Because I love him so. And I also know a second son would make him so happy." He could swear she was almost teary-eyed. What was it with human females and crying? The more he thought about it, the more annoyed he felt. Sesshoumaru looked straight at her. Could she be for real?, he wondered. If she was, could she be so naïve? Her eyes smiled behind a blanket of tears. She caressed her belly ever so delicately. She seemed happy.

"I am glad you came. You have no idea how much your being here means to your father and I, your father especially. He was so worried you would not arrive. Thank you."

She could not be for real. For one thing, what did she know about his father's joy? How could she be that presumptuous as to assume? On the other hand, the old man was happier, a lot happier than with his own mother. All of a sudden, Sesshoumaru decided he had to study her, to be sure his father had not made the gravest mistake of his life.

"It is a beautiful day, today. It has been for a week," she said, rubbing her belly. Suddenly, like flint on wood, she suggested, "Why do we not take a stroll in the garden? In that way, he may talk some more."

"Out of the question," was Sesshouamru's quick answer. "Father would be angry if anything were to happen to you. I will not risk his wrath."

She bursted into giggles. "Sesshoumaru-sama, your father can often times be over dramatic. I am not as delicate as many may believe me to be. A stroll through the garden will do me a world of good. As long as you are there to be of assistance, why should I worry?," she beamed.

Sesshoumaru rose a curious brow.

Lady Izayoi covered her mouth to muffle her laughter.

The garden was beyond beautiful when Sesshoumaru had the opportunity to see it upclose for himself. Inside the palace, it had looked very different but now, it was merely breathtaking to capture all the colors of the various types of flowers that bloomed all over the place. Much to his amazement, the Youkai Prince was surprised to learn that Izayoi had very much to do with its maintenance. It was apparent to him that the woman had a skill when it came to flowers. Of course, he would not admit to that. What inspired him the most were the different colors of chrysanthumums that grew beautifully around the house.

He walked slowly, taking in every sight, but mainly so she could keep up with him. Heaven forbid if she were to stumble from his disconsideration. It was hard enough for him to see her as his stepmother. She was SO young and according to human standards, Sesshoumaru was very old. However, if he were ever, by misfortune, human, they would be of the same age, somewhat. That thought in his head was quite unnerving for his ego. It was simply disturbing.

The walk had been (brisk) and silent except for the birds chirping, and the scurrying of small animals, and the insects, and the wind, and the waves from the sea nearby, this was a very noisy environment, Sesshouamru thought. Izayoi, on the other hand, was just content to have company. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply. Then, breathed out. Sesshouamru noticed her do this. It was very curious since humans did not have a very acute sense of smell. She opened her eyes again, greeting him with a smile.

Close by, there was a huge alabaster boulder, perfect for sitting, on the edge of the koi pond. The stroll came to a sudden hault as Izayoi realized she needed to rest her feet. So, she decided to sit on the boulder which was strategically placed under the shade of a ginko tree. She stroke her belly as if she were comforting the still unborn child. Sesshoumaru remained on his feet, acting as a guard as he took in the entirety of the garden. In that moment, a slight breeze blew in, fondling his silver white hair. Izayoi studied him, she studied his stillness, which intrigued her. There were things about her stepson that reminded her of her husband, she saw that. There were only, SOME things. Sesshoumaru, she noticed was quieter and more reserved. He went straight to the point when asked a question and spared details. Could he have inherited that from his mother? She cocked her head curiously when she noticed his attention was in the sky above.

Izayoi had met his mother, Lady Zayura one day. The encounter was brief and at a distance. Lady Zayura had seen her, too, and did not seem all too happy about catching a whistful glance of her, the new wife. Really, the encounter was by accident. She had been arranging flowers when she had seen Lady Zayura speaking with her Lord husband in these very gardens. The meeting, she had noticed, was bittersweet. Lady Zayura had refused to enter the palace to have tea with her. In fact, Lady Zayura had used Jubei to relay her reply to her. So, she only saw glimpses of her from far.

Of what she could see from her vantage point, the Lady of the Western Lands radiated an elegance and a nobility she had never seen before on any other noblewoman. It was clear to her that Lady Zayura was confident by how she carried herself with her perfect posture. Unlike her, she stood tall and her head carried high. She was graceful and her features seemed as delicate as ivory. She had the eyes of a fox. She knew this from all the times Lady Zayura would pause on ocassion to steal a glance of her. There eyes had met.

Her kimono had been elaborate, made from the finest silk. Which mostly stood out about this woman was her shimmering white hair which fell gracefully behind her back, almost touching the ground beneath her, making sharp contrast to her husband's more grayish hue. Izayoi had thought, there was no way she could ever compete with this woman. She had everything her husband could ever want in a woman.

That day, Lady Zayura seemed very upset. That was the first and only time she had seen the other wife. It had been hard on him. It had been hard for many reasons. He had tried on various occasions to reconcile with her but she would glare at him, denying him any chance to repair things between the both of them. Izayoi wanted to see him smile again and had insisted on inviting his offspring to the house to celebrate the arrival of the new baby. To her knowledge, the Lord of the Eastern Lands was the only one who had accepted. It was not until two days ago, Sesshoumaru had sent a carrier confirming his own arrival. InuTaisho confessed his knowledge of this in the bedchamber, telling her that he did not tell her until he was certain. He did not want to excite her until he was sure Sesshoumaru was actually here.

Izayoi blushed. "Sesshoumaru?," she spoke to break the silence.

Sesshoumaru tore his eyes from the sky to see what on earth she wanted.

"Would you like to see the Santuary?," she invited. Suddenly, the stoic look on his eyes were replaced by perplexity. She could easily tell by the way his head tilted a bit to the side.
"What Santuary?," he asked, more dumbfoundedness than actual curiousity lingering the rich tone of his voice.

Izayoi smiled as her eyes shimmered, contently.