#(Yomi02)

[fangsofdestruction]

It certainly was a simple way of explaining the course of action, but it covered the crux of the task at hand, so Sesshomaru stayed his tongue. To give Shura all the answers would be a disservice to him and his drive to improve. To allow him the time to practice and craft training regimens for himself was to learn core skills in improving yourself through diligence and experience. Both of which were things one had to hone themselves over time.

Sesshomaru would be willing to offer his time to his Godson by sparring him, but as the young warrior wished to sharpen his skills further before formally requesting a spar, the Daiyoukai only nods his head slowly in agreement.

       ❝Your Godfather will await the day you request for a spar.❞

Being able to sneak up on either Yomi or Sesshomaru would be a feat to boast about for centuries, he’d assume, so starting with smaller goals was probably more beneficial to Shura currently. Aiming too high at too early of a stage wasn’t wise.

        ❝Do you have a preferred weapon of choice or do you only use your body as your weapon? It is useful to be versed in other forms of fighting to account for different situations.❞

Though Sesshomaru preferred fighting with the sword, he could also use his light whip, or transform into his original form and let his primal instincts take over. Fighting directly with his claws was also a method, though one seldomly used. He much preferred using methods that allowed distance between him and his victims as it offered an air of superiority that he enjoyed basking in.

♛ Shura was so excited to learn from someone like this! Sesshomaru's smell seemed to be as sensitive as is fathers advanced hearing. Which he was also trying to learn how to avoid and be more silent. It was going to be hard since he was in a stage where he hardly had control of certain emotions at all and often saw red when engaged in combat or even resting.

"Calming my heart and being devoid of emotion! I can totally do that yeah! " The child nodded but then paused, "But what does devoid mean?"

Yomi smiled. "To lack or be without emotion." An easy enough explanation but he wondered how much trouble Shura would have applying it to his training. It took himself quite a bit to be able to do that with ease.

The demon child seemed to connect it right away. "Okay so I have to stop showing emotion and slow my heart down, I also need to move slower.. I want to learn everything so I can be the best!" His determination was solid and it made his father very proud.

Both demon king and demon lord seemed to be supportive of his excitement.

"Woah so a cloth huh?" Needless to say he'd never met a dog or a dog demon in his life. "You are really admirable and strong, just like my father! When I become old enough I would also like to spar you! " He would challenge him currently but after the loss against his father he thought it would be best to wait.

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goresugars​:

♛  It seemed every family was not without their problems.  A lucky son, indeed. Shura was greatly taken care of and cared for. Yomi would do anything for his son, for his betterment.

“I also believe that as well…”   Yomi trailed off, tilting his head. He never thought to give Shura a sibling. He didn’t have any himself, after all. The demon king wondered what it would have been like if he had any kind of sibling at all- wouldn’t that be a spectacle.

He listened to him, troubled. A half brother, so there was so much to take in about the situation. “Resentment seems to be common, I have found out, in families. Families aren’t really a common sight here as I’ve stated. Learning so much from you….”  He wouldn’t pry about how he was now with his half brother, it wasn’t his business after all.

“Shura seems to look up to you as well. It’s good because he hasn’t responded this well to others for as long as I can remember anyway.”

Resentment was a simple way of putting it, but it wasn’t incorrect. He’d come far in his many decades, processing emotions along the way. While the resentment had dulled, the hurt and damage still remained.

       ❝If this Sesshomaru’s experiences may prove enlightening to you, all is well.❞

Though subtle it may be, Sesshomaru was giving express permission for Yomi to inquire further if he were curious. There was no shame in the search of enlightenment, but one must conduct their inquiries with due respect. Sesshomaru would entertain answering questions if the other party were truly curious and without any undue intentions. He’d gotten quite used to doing such due to Rin’s enquiring nature.

That said, answering questions which related to the power structure of Demons of these lands or military were out of question. From one being of power to another, such topics were understood to be taboo without being implicitly stated. The Demon glances at the young Demon child, curious. It would seem that children were quite drawn to him for some inexplicable reason.

       ❝This Sesshomaru will take that as an honor for Shura to view upon me positively. He is a young Demon with great potential. In time, he shall find his own way.❞

While not knowing Shura for long, Sesshomaru already had a positive opinion of the young lad. Raised with care, he would grow up to be a respectable Demon.  

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Sesshomaru hadn’t expected for Shura to get as excited as he was getting. The children he normally associated himself with weren’t so excited and loud—simultaneously.

       ❝This Sesshomaru’s sense of smell is leagues above that of a regular dog, so my olfactory senses can reach quite the distance.❞

His ability to smell was quite sensitive and sophisticated, so there was much that he was able to glean if he could recognize the smell of his prey.

       ❝Perhaps calming your heart and being devoid of emotion may help your case, but my nose is a powerful tool that is difficult to fool. Should it be ever necessary, a single piece of cloth with a scent on it can be used to track my prey, even if the cloth had been touched by others prior.❞

Like many tracking dogs, Sesshomaru had the sophisticated olfactory skill to decipher the various scents laden on a piece of cloth and subtract the miscellaneous scents that weren’t relevant to him.

       ❝Your organs don’t smell that much differently from eachother. If you ask if I can smell your various emotions, it is something like that.❞

It wasn’t so much a ‘smell’ he picks up but rather the chemical signatures of certain stress hormones that a secondary olfactory organ in his nose can detect that he ‘can smell’ in the air.

       ❝An avid student whose appetite is strong for improving their skills is not one that would tire a learned master.❞

Which is to say, he would not be perturbed by Shura’s excitement.

♛ "My anticipation? What does that mean?"

The boy had worked so hard on keeping his footsteps silent, but what did this one mean? Could he smell anticipation? He knew canines had an enhanced sense of smell but would that mean..

"Is your sense of smell like my fathers hearing? He can hear for miles around him in any given direction- he hears everything that goes on in our domain..." The boy questioned. Comparing the two was what made the most sense to him in the first place. "How would I ... make it so you can't smell .. what anticipation is!"

Shura was practically circling the dog demon, determined, excitedly, new knowledge from another great fighter!

"My heart! You can smell my heart? How do you do that?!"

♛ "My son, indeed.. that is why you do not need to yell..."

Hearing so well, whenever his son raised his voice, he would be lying if it didn't hurt just a bit. He laughed, not being able to stop the smile that spread to his face full of pride though. Shura was so eager to learn everything he could.

"Lord Sesshomaru, I am grateful for your patience with him.."

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       ❝This Sesshomaru will pay your home a visit to familiarize himself with the area should a need arise in the future.❞

He didn’t know if Yomi had spoken in much detail about Sesshomaru being asked to be Shura’s Godfather, the one intended to raise him should anything befall Yomi, so he spoke vaguely about it. It was not his place to divulge details about the arrangement.  

Sesshomaru had sensed Shura’s approach, but he made no movement to announce that he’d noticed. It was important for young to build their confidence by trying to sneak up on their parents, and as such, many beasts would feign surprise when their young would pounce. Perhaps Yuuda was exhibiting such behavior, but Sesshomaru was one to hold importance on self-improvement.

       ❝Your approach was impressive, given your age. Your gait silent, though your anticipation is evident.❞

He motions to his own nose.

       ❝Canines are able to smell certain emotions like anticipation or fear.❞

The way the canine olfactory senses worked was different than that of a humans, as they had an extra olfactory organ which could pick up minute scent trials or even secreted chemical hormones. As such, they could pick up on stress signals a body may exhibit, and they could sometimes smell if something was amiss, such as cancerous cells inside a body.

       ❝If you can master calming your heart, you will level up your stealth skills.❞

Give praise, then follow up with a piece of advice. That was how Sesshomaru preferred to respond to children who wished for their skills to be appraised.

       ❝A thankless job, those who Lord over others.❞

Sesshomaru could appreciate the fact that Yomi had many responsibilities as King of his domain, and he could tell Yomi did an excellent job with the way his company held themselves with dignity and confidence.

♛ " Does that mean you'll come visit us at our home?" Shura, suddenly there, tugging on Sesshomaru's pant leg. "Also did you sense me coming? I am getting good at concealing my presence right?" He wanted to master that ability as well, so he took this opportunity while his father and now god father were talking.

Yuuda jumped. "Y-young prince, I certainly did not sense you at all!" Maybe it was age, maybe he was lying, either way he didn't want to bring down the young demons spirits. "A-h yes !" The elderly demon drew attention back to Sesshomaru. "Becoming familiar with the territory is a wise thing to do!"

♛ Of course Yomi had sensed his son coming. "I knew you were there but you are doing a good job, your footsteps were silent.." Taking a moment to answer his son.

"The inhabitants of our world are vast, and very few are human. There is a settlement of humans in a forest, we call it the Forest of Fools.." For what would seem to be very obvious reasons, as humans could very often not stand the very atmosphere of the world, causing them to faint. They were basically a settlement of food for demons that didn't abide the no-human eating law.

"Sometimes wild beasts attack our borders, it is of course, my job to take care of those creatures, and people who try to break our laws."

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It was somewhat ironic to find Sesshomaru more suitable to watch over a child, given that he had no children of his own, or the fact that his relationship with his own father was strained to put things gently. If anything, children under his care usually survived, so that was what should matter the most, he’d suppose.

Sesshomaru would guess that the only reason Yuuda would survive his King was because his duty in times of peril would be to prioritize the safety of young Shura over that of his Lord. That was an excellent precautionary step to ensuring that whoever was tasked to watching over Shura would be acting out as Yomi had intended. A case of checks and balances.

Seeing as how Sesshomaru didn’t particularly care for inheriting Toga’s position, the same could the said for trying to cheat Shura out of his inherited role of King. This Inu-youkai was quite uninterested in taking on such a role, so Shura could be kept safe and allowed to take over his role once he was ready.

       ❝This Sesshomaru will hope that this offer won’t have to be called to action.❞

It was best for a Father to live a long life aside his son and be there to witness important milestones of his life. While Toga had witnessed many of his milestones, but he wasn’t around to witness the one that truly mattered to Sesshomaru.

       ❝It may be useful for this Sesshomaru to visit on occasion to become familiar with the territory and inhabitants of your world.❞

Which was to indirectly say: If there were enemies to be made aware of, point them out. HE can memorize scents.

♛ "Quite. There would be none other in Makai that would be fitting to such a task. They wouldn't know how, and there's the risk of killing him to take the position..." Yomi nodded. It simply wasn't common at all for families to exist there. And while he had serious doubts anyone would be able to take himself down, the king could never be too safe.

Yuuda nodded. "I will assist you as I assist my king now, if such a thing were to happen." It was his sworn duty, after all.

"Yuuda has been by my side and been a trusted advisor since the beginning." Yomi confirmed his words. It would always be that way. There were even plans for him to assist Shura when Shura became the king. "I appreciate you accepting this offer, more than you could possibly realize.."

There were more things to tell him, of course, but he'd find a more appropriate time to do that. Shura's delicate condition, how he needed to be monitored closely so he didn't hurt himself on accident.

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Sesshomaru blinks slowly, as he’d been referring to someone on Yomi’s lands to be given the honor of looking after Shura rather than someone in Sesshomaru’s own realm. If someone had done in Yomi, there was in no way that he’d suggest a short-lived human in his place, but Yuuda’s comments reminded him of a comment Yomi made before that raising the children you sire was uncommon in his world.

       ❝Ah, you did speak that those in your realm do not often raise children. This Sesshomaru didn’t realize it was to the point no other could be worthy of caring for a child.❞

Was it so uncommon to the point that Yomi would much rather ask someone from another realm to look after his own son? It was honestly quite a shock to fathom such a world, but it would make sense that anyone from that world would be strong as natural selection had to be brutal. Only the strong could survive to adulthood.

Between asking someone who had no experience with children and a Demon who only took lonely children under his wing, one certainly stood out. He could call upon his experiences or recall how his own Father had raised him for some inspiration. Of course, ‘inspiration’ was a word used lightly in light of some of the mistakes Toga has made in regards to Sesshomaru.

No matter, he grew up well anyways.

       ❝Should anything occur, how will this Sesshomaru know to come for Shura? Will Yuuda here be tasked with notification?❞

If Yuuda were the one who administered the paperwork, he was surely a loyal retainer who Yomi trusted most of all.

♛ So they understood each other, this was good. There was no way he'd ask a demon lord to serve under him after all.

"Another individual? Who might you speak of to visit my land? If they are human, i'm afraid they run the risk of being eaten or becoming quite distressed by the atmosphere. WE have scouts that find lost humans who wander in, often finding them unconscious. This individual, are they human?" If that were the case, it'd be quite a problem as he hadn't found a way to get a human there safely.

"Even if eating humans is currently banned, and I do my best to stop it from happening, you know how people rebel from time to time..."

☾ "If I may speak-" Yuuda began. Yomi nodded to him. "My king trusts you- in our lands, there is not a person there who would know how to care for a child, especially not the young prince. Nobody worthy..."

They were both rather pleased the demon lord decided to seal it with blood, as was tradition.

"He speaks true. Those who would want to get their hands on Shura would only try to kill him.. there is unrest in some areas."

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Yomi had expanded upon Yuuda’s words, which greatly helped in not allowing misunderstandings to propagate.

       ❝It goes without saying that this Sesshomaru should at least visit to familiarize himself with the lands Shura calls home.❞

Likewise, it would behoove for Shura to on occasion visit Sesshomaru in his lands as well so as to promote bonding between them. Taking the scrolls from Yuuda’s hands, Sesshomaru looked them over before glancing at Yomi.

       ❝This Sesshomaru questions whether another individual is more suitable for the task, but you can rest assured that should Shura come under my care, he shall be well protected.❞

It may be more convenient to find someone from their world to act as Shura’s Godfather, but perhaps this was the more safer option as disaster befalling Yomi may mean that the situation was disastrous enough that Shura too would be in danger. If so, being sent to another realm may be safer for the child.

The Demon trusted that Yomi had understood Shura well enough to know who he would be approving of, so he drew blood and stamped his blood onto the scrolls to seal the deal.

♛ Words were not needed to describe what kind of misconception Yuuda's word could cause.

"That is to say, he means, if you are to be his ward should something happen to take my life, you should know the general layout of my territory so you are familiar with it. "

An explanation, hoping that would smooth things over as the tension in the air was not thin. The very atmosphere of Makai was totally different from this world, humans suffered greatly just entering the place. So it was always good to be familiar with it, lest the unfamiliar traveler become lost.

☾ Yuuda stepped forward, pulling a few scrolls from his yukata and offering them over to Sesshomaru. "Here they are, as according to the law of Gandara as so ruled by Yomi. Blood on these papers would prove your word to be dominating, and remain without question." The old demon assured him.

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Sesshomaru glances at Yuuda and he nods his head with a small bow as a greeting. If he need to sign a pact with blood, he wouldn’t hesitate to do so, as he strongly doubted that either would be using his blood for any nefarious deeds. With the happenings of Kikyo’s numerous deaths and revivals, one should be careful with their blood and hair left behind in their passing. Even if one weren’t deceased, an enemy keeping your blood or hair locks on hand could only spell trouble.

Again, he had no reason to believe Yomi would resort to such a thing, so he had no reservations about signing a pact in blood.

     『Does he speak of me coming to their lands as a visitor or as a retainer?』

His eyes slightly squint at the thought of becoming a retainer of Yomi’s and mentally grimaces if the insinuation held true. Though he may think positively of Yomi, that was no reason to offer one his servitude. Sesshomaru had his own Lands to govern, and would not submit to others, even in death.

       ❝This Sesshomaru will sign in blood. Show me wear to sign.❞

He cut into his thumb with his claw to draw blood to sign with. Tenseiga, with it’s inability to cut the living, was useless. Bakusaiga, with it’s added effect of disrupting the regenerative properties of what matter it cuts wasn’t acceptable either. At times, he considers carrying a simple blade that would not be overkill with small tasks.

♛ "I am glad you accepted the the role." Yomi replied with a nod. It would be best. One did not rise to power without forming enemies along the way. While he doubted his enemies would ever come out of their hiding holes to attack- he wanted to make sure that Shura had someone to take care of him.

Another understanding between two demons of power, between a lord and a king. He also doubted anything would happen to him, as was all things, it was a precaution.

"Yes actually, there is something you need to do, if you don't mind me being so presumptious." Yomi looked behind him, and standing there, was a very old looking demon, just a few inches taller than Jaken.

"This is my loyal advisor Yuuda."

☾ Yuuda waved at the lord and bowed to Yomi. "Your highness." Yomi gestured to Sesshomaru. "This is to be Shura's godfather, his name is Sesshomaru, he's the lord of these lands." To which Yuuda bowed to Sesshomaru as well. "It is a pleasure to meet a friend of my king, my lord. To be recgonized as Shura's godfather, naturally you'll need to sign some documents in blood- I've brought such documents. But my king, shouldn't he also come to our lands as well?"

"Another time, Yuuda." Yomi understood his concerns but now wasn't the time for that.

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       ❝This Sesshomaru will keep the offer in mind should the need arise.❞

It was quite rare for Sesshomaru to speak at length with another being in a meaningful way, much lesser so for the other party to be someone he could view as being on the same level as him. Most he’d come across were beneath him in terms of strength or wisdom born from experience. He’d must admit that it was nice to have someone like Yomi, even if their paths didn’t cross all that often.

A pause. Being a Godfather wasn’t something he ever expected to be. Should anything happen to Yomi, it would be his role to watch over Shura’s upbringing. Sesshomaru certainly had the strength to not only protect, but hone Shura’s power. It was a show of trust to be given the honor of becoming a Godfather of any child.

       ❝I would be honored to be Shura’s Godfather. He’d be in good hands should anything happen.❞

He strongly doubted anything would happen to Yomi, but life had it’s way of rearing ugly turn arounds for those who weren’t diligent in foreseeing the looming dread. He himself had never thought he’d lose his father so soon, much less for Toga to have left his family to sire a different child. Those of power knew well to have contingency plans put in place in advance for any surprises life had to give.

       ❝Will a verbal account be enough, or do you require some event to make this arrangement official?❞

Politics was always a tricky affair, and the misguided and corrupt were never above nefarious means to get their way. Having a method to validify Sesshomaru’s claim to being Shura’s Godfather would be useful to have- but not necessarily desired.

♛ The demon king understood what he meant. It was very subtle, indeed. Knowing he could inquire further about such things was a relief. As he mentioned, he had nobody else to turn to for advice in Makai. How lucky he was that he had met one such as this Sesshomaru who knew, just a bit more than he did.

"Thank you, that is not taken for granted. And if there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to call on me when the need arises."

A king wasn't without his own aid to offer. He was powerful enough and if he could take up arms next to this one, he gladly would. It wouldn't be the first time he'd wage war side by side with someone else. Even if it wasn't a war, it was what he had to offer him. As Yomi doubted any amount of money would mean anything to Sesshomaru in the first place.

"As presumptuous as it might sound, I wonder if you'd be interested in being his godfather if anything were to happen to me in the future?" A question he'd been contemplating in his head. Should he have asked it? It was too late now, he never backed down or denied the words that left his lips. Everything was said with some hint of authority and pride.

And as any father, he wished for Shura to have a good future, to prosper, to grow strong. So proud he would be once Shura finally surpassed him as king.. but that seemed like so far away in the current time. He might rest easier if he knew Shura would be guided by someone of similar ideas and power to his own if something were to befall him.

@fangsofdestruction moved for beta from x

[fangsofdestruction]

goresugars​:

♛ There was that as well, what if Shura and a new child wouldn’t get along at all. He’d have to break up constant fighting, because he knew Shura was so headstrong he wouldn’t give up so easily. And while he was proud of him for that trait, he was worried it’d get out of hand as well.

There was no real family example in all of Makai, everything was guesswork for the demon king. “I remember he had one play time with another demon child but it just resulted in Shura breaking his arm. They are not friends.”

♛  “My thoughts on the matter of a hypothetical new child?” Yomi repeated the idea. “I do not … know. Since I do not plan on having another child, there would be no purpose to ponder on it. Nobody can ever replace Shura.” 

Already he was trying to figure out how to raise one on his own with no guidance at all, and nobody to look to for advice- outside of this Sesshomaru. For which he was grateful. 

“Do you think I should have another?”

Some children found it harder to form bonds with others, and Sesshomaru could relate as his stoicism was a trait he’d inherited from his Mother.

       ❝A lucky son.❞

It wasn’t as though the Inu-youkai believed that most parents didn’t feel the same as Yomi, but his personal experiences and thoughts were different.

       ❝This Sesshomaru believes that children should just happen as they are. It isn’t a matter of whether anyone thinks you should have another.❞

Of course, there were variables that were related to having children, such as high mortality rates, a sickly child and a need for an heir, or simply that the child has been lonely and desires a sibling to bond with. Unfortunately, it does not always go according to wishes for children.

       ❝A half-brother took my place.❞

At least, that is how Sesshomaru has seen it. Toga had left their ‘pack’ to pursue a new family. Though he hadn’t been completely forgotten, he may as well have with the way his Father had treated the half-brothers differently, and how Toga hadn’t done much in the ways of explaining things to Sesshomaru to help him cope and understand that though he left the pack, he wasn’t forsaking the bond he had with Sesshomaru. He’d felt abandoned back then and he was left with many unanswered questions.

       ❝I used to hate him, but it wasn’t his fault.❞

Now, it was too late, and even if he had the chance, he no longer cared to know.

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goresugars​:

♛  Talking would be difficult. Shura was a headstrong boy, just as he had been when he was younger. This was probably what he needed, however. To speak with someone on the same level as himself, to gain advice from other people. Even if Sesshomaru had not sired any children of his own, he seemed to know what he was talking about.

“Your advice is very much appreciated, even if your experiences are different from mine. I will take what you said to heart.”  

Yomi couldn’t even recall his own father, it had been so long. Was his own father even alive, he couldn’t remember. Chances were, that no, he was not alive.  It didn’t much matter in the present.

“Ah, that’s a good question…”  Since Shura was not born traditionally, and had originally been meant a weapon for war..  “I don’t think I plan to for now, no. Especially not with Shura going through the phases he is now, it would be terribly chaotic…”

If his experiences, though few, could be helpful, he was content. Surely being a guardian and a parent were different experiences, but there were enough overlap that the sentiment of care towards a child were the same. Otherwise, Sesshomaru would not speak on a subject he had no thought in.

       ❝Additional children do come with their own sets of troubles. Sometimes they don’t get along well.❞

Children did seem to fair well with a peer, as they could learn from each other and quell the sting of loneliness. In some instances, having siblings was more a curse than a gift in the case of politics.

       ❝This Sesshomaru would like to ask for your thoughts on the matter of a hypothetical new child. What would the purpose be for doing so? A replacement for the first?❞

He in no way was alluding to Yomi abandoning Shura, but speaking on how he used to feel towards his Father and half-brother.

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goresugars​:

♛ He was more proud of Shura than any one of his accomplishments. 

There had been no war and so instead of destroying what he created, he accepted parenthood of a small demon child that was his own. His own dna, flesh and blood. His successor. Although with no guidance in all of Makai he was making of it what he could on his own. Shura was a good kid, strong willed and stubborn just as he had been but that shouldn’t have been a surprise to anyone who knew him.  That also presented a problem, he knew at that age nobody could tell him anything.  

“Let him speak his frustration… to vent ?” The demon king thought on it for a few moments. “He usually does so by training… although the amount of trees he’s demolished certainly means something is weighing heavily on his mind doesn’t it…”  

Not that Shura would ever disappoint him. That seemed impossible. 

“Then I shall sit down and listen to what he has to say. We have met just this day but I respect you and your opinion.”  Their power enough, the two demons understood their ranking and position. 

Speaking from his own personal experience, he may have learned certain life lessons sooner had his Father been more open and communicative with him. Had they had a moment to have a heart to heart conversation about how Toga had left the ‘pack’ and gone to start a new family, leaving his eldest son feeling abandoned.

       ❝Sometimes conversation is needed to understand viewpoints one couldn’t understand before, or resolve misunderstandings. Best to resolve things while it’s still possible.❞

In his case, with Toga being dead, he could no longer hope to resolve anything, unless he chose to make a trip down to Hell and seek out his Father- which he had absolutely no intent on ever doing.

       ❝If my experiences serve as help, then I’m pleased to offer advice.❞

Seeing how open and involved Yomi was regarding his child, Sesshomaru couldn’t help but reflect on the relationship he had with his own Father. Left with many unanswered questions and feelings he didn’t like to dwell on out of pride.

       ❝Do you ever plan on having another child? What prompted you to wish for a child? ❞

From previous conversation, rearing children didn’t seem to be very common from where Yomi was from, so he was curious about why the powerful man would consider having a child.

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goresugars​:

♛ The expectations on Shura were large. Something he had considered for awhile. But the boy had always shown that he was up for the challenge. Willing to meet all standards and even push himself past the goals, much to his fathers dismay. Like any good father, Yomi worried about his sons’ well being especially considering his unique condition. 

“I am more proud of him than any of my accomplishments.”  Everything he had done paled in comparison to his son. He was so proud of him. 

It pained him to think Shura might think he wouldn’t be proud of him no matter what. 

♛  “Yes, this individual is a friend to remain friendly. Him and myself hold no resentment for each other. It is quite complicated for someone as young as my son to understand.” 

He hoped his son would understand eventually. The demon king didn’t want his son to grow up to resent Kurama in any way. As it was at the time, Shura would always make faces at the red head and threaten him. 

“I am curious, if you don’t mind me asking. How would you deal with this situation?  Is it perhaps too early for me to try and explain that this person is not our enemy?”   And while he understood Sesshomaru didn’t sire any kids himself, Yomi was always open to suggestions. 

       ❝Good to hear you are proud of your son, may that continue.❞

May Shura not come to disappoint his Father like he had been to Toga.

Certainly, that would be difficult for a son to bear. Even if his Father were on friendly terms with one who was the cause of such a life-changing injury, he too would have bitter feelings remaining. Especially if the injury resulted in his Father never being able to truly witness him. Though the situation was different, he could relate in the sense that he felt negatively towards some individuals who were involved with Toga, even if the Dog general himself didn’t hate them himself. Sesshomaru couldn’t bring himself to ever think kindly of Izayoi, her son, and the human male that drove his Father to his death through his treacherous actions.

       ❝That’s hard to say. Perhaps the best method is to simply allow your son to speak his frustration to prevent him bottling it forever. Another may be to wait for him to come to understand.❞

In his case, it took him decades before finally coming to understand why his Father was partial to humanity, even coming to wed one after being with his Mother, an exemplary Demonness.  

       ❝This Sesshomaru is no Father in the same situation, so it’s hard to know what to do, but, in my mind, I believe I’d sit down my child to talk about how while some unsavory events have transpired, it takes strength to move forward and to forgive.❞

Whether the child could come to understand was another subject matter entirely, of course. Still, communication was better than to avoid the situation entirely or to speak cryptically in a way a son could only feel frustrated afterwards. A lesson he’d learned from his own relationship with his own Father.

[fangsofdestruction]

goresugars​:

♛ It was true enough, sometimes Shura said things that Yomi couldn’t understand where he got them. The childs mind was completely unpredictable. It was rather endearing but Yomi agreed, he would most likely have to ask Shura directly. Whether or not he’d get a direct answer was yet to be seen. Being a child after his own self, he knew his son was rash. 

“I would hate to think I had anything to do with his pressure but it wouldn’t surprise me.”  Being a king was taxing, there was always so much work to do. Also keeping the territory safe from intruders. 

And while he knew Sesshomaru did not sire any children, he seemed to take them in. So he was the best person Yomi could ask it seemed.  More experience than himself, even if they weren’t his. 

“Further more, I have suspicions Shura somehow found out how I lost my sight and is very angry at the person who directly caused it. I am still friendly with this person as I understand his actions but Shura… has become very irate with him. I did not tell him so I wonder where he got such information…” 

While Sesshomaru did not know if any of his thoughts held any merit for a Father more experienced than he in the realm of parenthood, Yomi seemed to gain some enlightenment by contemplating his words. A true wise man could read into words and gain insight into the heart of matters.

       ❝The greater the Father, the more pressure his sons will bear, regardless of his intentions. The expectations others hold for the children it not one that a child can ignore.❞

On one hand it was a bother, but Sesshomaru didn’t let it bother him too much on a personal level.

       ❝In the same vein, it serves as inspiration and motivation for a child to pursue greatness. It’s a great sense of achievement to finally surpass one’s Father.❞

Again, he speaks from personal experience as his coming into power was symbolized by the creation of Bakusaiga. He’d finally surpassed his Father, and now all his actions were his own accomplishments and not a mere parallel of Toga’s.

       ❝... That certainly is harder to swallow for a child, is this individual a friend for you to remain friendly?❞

Perhaps, he too would feel upset by the same thing, but he would also respect his Father’s wishes- regardless of how he personally felt about it. That said, he would still voice his anger, so perhaps he and Shura were similar in that regard.

[fangsofdestruction]

goresugars​:

♛   This was troubling for him.  “You are correct, I need to let him make some mistakes so that he learns however….”  The chances of him getting hurt from over doing it was so high and he had to be around to monitor him. It was a risk he wasn’t comfortable making and what if he lost his child forever. 

He knew what kind of mistakes he was capable of making. Yomi was especially worried he would fall down the wrong path the way he did. Others had told him this was normal for a parent, to worry about their childs’ future and want the best for them. To make a better future for them by doing things differently. 

Yomi hadn’t had anyone raise him. It wasn’t common in Makai, the demon world they were from. There were so many concerns, he figured other demons from his world would ask him if it was all worth it.  And it was, to him anyway. 

“I sincerely hope he does not feel that way.. Perhaps I should tell him that he does not need to prove anything to me. That he knows I am proud of him and his progress and I will always be proud of him because he is my son and that.. is enough. He has a lot of expectations on him because he is a prince, so perhaps you are right.” 

Sesshomaru had not sired any children of his own, but he had taken a fair number under his figurative wing. He couldn’t assert himself as an expert in the matter of rearing children, but he could speak from personal experience that some lessons could only be learnt from first hand experience.

Additionally, words of assurance or praise went a long way when spoken by those whose opinions truly counted. While many retainers in the past would ravish him with praise, it was only the words of his parents that truly meant something to him, be it praise or rebukes.

In his viewpoint, the fact that Shura had Yomi as a guiding figure assured Shura of many things, such as a more stable upbringing, and a source of wise advice to adhere to. Not to mention that the information Shura would receive was bound to be trustworthy as Yomi was anything but a neglectful Father. It was clear that the King was very involved in the rearing of his young.

       ❝The only way to know is to speak to him about it. What a child has running through their brains is unfathomable at times.❞

He thought of Rin as he said so. Rin proved to be quite the curious creature at times that even he couldn’t fathom what went on in her mind.

       ❝Though, sometimes, it is the retainers who put unnecessary thoughts into the mind of children, putting pressure on them to ‘live up to expectations’.❞

Of course, he speaks from personal experience, as the son of the Inu no Taisho. He had much to live up to and his Father’s acquaintances never failed to make comments about how he stacked up in comparison to his Honorable Father.

[fangsofdestruction]

goresugars​:

♛ Yomi was no stranger to the impulsive behavior his son had- as he was just the same when he was younger. It could be because Shura was technically made from his on dna, a clone. But not exactly a clone, Shura was much more, he was his beloved son and Yomi knew they were two different people. Although it made him all the more concerned Shura would repeat his same mistakes. 

“I have been trying to teach him not to overstrain himself but as most young demons he is over achieving and ambitious- too ambitious. I think he does overstrain himself to live up to unspoken expectations. He is the prince after all and is expected to take my place when he grows up.” Yomi explained with a nod. “But I have never told him to do as much.” 

He was so proud of Shura as he made strides every day in his abilities but it was so worrying to the demon king as well. “It seems very difficult for him to find a balance between progressing his progress and keeping it steady…” 

And he knew Shura was angry because he couldn’t see him. 

Perhaps, it was a matter of a son having the notion that his Father didn’t trust him or feeling as though his father ‘coddled’ him too much. Given Shura’s age, it made sense to coddle an actual infant, but it was clear that the young one was quite matured compared to his actual age.

       ❝Perhaps, it’s best to have him experience a minor complication once to understand firsthand the implications of overstraining himself. Of course, it should be monitored carefully as to keep the effects minimal.❞

Some lessons were those that couldn’t be learned until one had personal experience. Much like him coming to understand that some humans were worthwhile through Rin coming into his life. He asserts that humans as a majority were still weak and annoying creatures, however.

It reminded him of his youth, where he thought himself more grown than he truly was. Being ‘too big for his britches,’ so to speak. Unfortunately, not many of his peers were at his level, so he hadn’t been humbled to learn how to be more careful.

       ❝Maybe he believes he is a disappointment if you fret over him too much and he strives to prove that he can live up to your expectations.❞