Sesshōmaru Ante Iam Part 1: Early Years- Chapter 10~Split

A year later. Sesshōmaru's ten.

Sesshōmaru's continued his 'Japanese Lessons' with Yume. She herself now knows her hiragana and katakana. Sesshōmaru now teaches her kanji that he knows and is learning. Anything that Sesshōmaru learns about fighting he uses on her. They play, and even pull tricks and pranks together – a rather evil little duo they are, but that's for another time. Their little sign language has developed; they've even invented secret codes.

Sesshōmaru is at the 'spot' with Yume.

"Yume."

"Yeah, Sess-chan?"

Yes, she hasn't stopped calling him that.

They both lie under the Bo tree.

"We need a secret handshake."

They sit up.

"Why?"

"My family has told me about demons that can disguise themselves, so I'd like to make sure that it's you when we meet up. I've seen how demons who are after my father try to use me."

"Oh, like the time you fell off of that cliff?"

Sesshōmaru stays quiet for a moment- He, Chichi-ue… was crying… I don't ever want to see that again…
"Yes. Like that."

"Okay! So what's gonna be are super-secret-awesome handshake?"

They spend the rest of their afternoon working on it.

~~Days Later~~

Sesshōmaru walks along the outer walkway surrounding the house. Things are peaceful, then – yelling?

Mother…?

He walks to the door but stays at the side of it. He can't really make it out, but it's her. His father is speaking too, but not like her.

Are they fighting?

"Calm down. Sesshōmaru is home. He doesn't-"

"Ha! And how am I supposed to simply calm down?"

Sesshōmaru flinches as he hears something shatter, and then the door slides back. His father steps out still looking inside, "Please, just stop."

But the yelling continues.

Sesshōmaru hasn't been noticed yet, but suddenly he sees his mother rush out and slap his father. As Taishō head tilts to the side his heart seems to skip a beat – he saw him.
How long was he there?

Taishō turns to her, "If you won't stop this behavior, then it'll be better if I leave."

"Fine!" she points to Sesshōmaru, "Take him if you want!"

"I wouldn't have it any other way," he picks Sesshōmaru up and leaves with him.

Sesshōmaru says softly, "Chi…chi-ue…" and closes his eyes.

~~About Three Days Later~~

"Chichi-ue, are we going back? Weren't we kicked out?"

"Nnn… technically… yes."

"Then why are we going back? Isn't she still mad?"

Well that was a quick change of heart.

"Your mother just needed some time to cool off."

When they arrive, the place is strangely empty, and there's a note attached to the entrance.

Sesshōmaru tries to read it but it's so full of kanji that he just can't.

Without a word Taishō turns around.

"Chichi-ue, what did it say?"

He doesn't answer. He walks.

Sesshōmaru stares on worriedly, "Chichi-ue…?"

They're no longer at the manor and Taishō still hasn't spoken.

Sesshōmaru walks directly behind him, "Chichi-ue, can you say something?"

No answer.

"Can you look at me, Chichi-ue?"

Nothing.

Sesshōmaru stops walking but Taishō continues.

Why is he acting like that? What happened? Chichi-ue… he looks so down.
He remembers seeing his father cry last year.
Was it me this time? No! That's too narrow-minded!
Nnnn… what now? No matter what I say he doesn't answer. Nothing I'm doing makes it any better!
Seeing Father be happy… that made me happy! I can't stand to see him like this!
He bites his lower lip. His fists close.
Damn – I feel bad… I can't imagine how badly Father must feel. I… I don't want to lose him! I don't want him to forget about me.
Damn it! I'm useless! Please, someone help-!
Sesshōmaru suddenly opens his eyes.
What am I doing?
He blinks a few times.
This fear… this vanity… how dare I allow myself to be weak enough to feel that!
I need help? That's not going to be any use for Father – it'll be more of a burden – more of a setback!
Sesshōmaru stars running after his father.
I am useless if I do nothing! If I just waste my time dwelling in such thoughts, then, then what's the point?
Sesshōmaru catches up, "Father, stop!"

Taishō looks down at him shocked.

"I, I know you're upset, I do, but you can't just be like, like this! Moping isn't helping anything! Chichi-ue, I'm still here with you, and, and I'll try anything to make you smile again! If, if you stay like this… then I'll get upset too, then that'll make you feel even worse. You'll feel like you did something wrong as a father. And, and even… even if you stay like this, and all of my attempts to make you happy again fail… I'll keep trying anyway because… that's what I'm here for, Chichi-ue. That's my reason to exist – to make you smile. You, you need to have a reason too. Chichi-ue… either cheer up and we can do something or, or… keep moping around like a weakling! Either way… I'll, I'll still follow you."

Sesshōmaru looks right into his father's eyes, "Which one, Chichi-ue?"

"…Se-Sesshōmaru…"

Sesshōmaru suddenly bows very deeply, "I am extremely sorry! Forgive me, Chichi-ue! It… it wasn't my place to judge your actions! My words… were far too bold and disrespectful! I, I beg for your forgiveness!"

"Sesshōmaru… aren't you a good boy?"

Sesshōmaru looks up at him.
He's… he's smiling!

"Come on, let's go."

Sesshōmaru smiles with wide sparkling eyes, blushing, "Yes, Chichi-ue! Of course!" he lets out a small laugh, "I'll follow you wherever you may go!"

Taishō looks down at him- My, my… where did he come up with that?

**What Sesshōmaru's parent's argument was about? I don't know. I didn't feel like (or come up with) making up some reason that I wasn't even remotely certain was true – something that Rumiko didn't confirm. All I know is that Sesshōmaru's mother wasn't a big part of his life, judging from the indifference that Sesshōmaru showed her when she appeared [Ch. 466 pg. 15/The Final Act Ep. 9] The guy never once addressed her as "Mother" or any other variation, he didn't even introduce her as his mother, she introduced herself.

つ づ く...

Ch. 11- Early Blooming