A/N: This chapter covers the opening scene in InuYasha the Movie 3: Swords of an Honorable Ruler (quite a title, no?). I hope I'm able to convey it effectively.

--

With a nose the envy of every demon, Sesshomaru found him.

Inu no Taisho was painfully hobbling down the snowy beach. He reached Sesshomaru and blood was hacked up. "Where the hell were you?"

"I should be asking you that."

The Dog General growled, "It was Ryukotsusei and some conspirators." Another cough wracked him. "It matters not now…I've more important issues."

Sesshomaru stared at the mortal gash in his father's side. "You're in no condition to go anywhere but home."

Inu no Taisho shuddered and kept walking down the beach. Home was in the other direction. Eventually, the Great Dog collapsed to his knees, but his son made no motion to help him up.

Apprehension cantered up Sesshomaru's spine. Here was the all mighty daiyokai he called father, the one he sought for guidance and approval, whom he forgave because he loved him; but this same great demon couldn't even stand.

Loneliness slithered in, reproach at its heels.

Right now, it's only me. I'm the strongest. I'm in charge.

Sesshomaru's breath fogged in the frigid air.

Inu no Taisho staggered back to his feet, treading a few considering steps toward the full moon. "You know where I'm headed, don't you?"

Sesshomaru wished he didn't, but he could smell the woman in labor miles away. The scent of Father's dripping blood, however, was more pungent and – to Sesshomaru – twice as pertinent.

"Father," he finally spoke. "Do you insist on going?"

"Do you intend to stop me, Sesshomaru?"

The Dog General could make his own decisions, but it was bordering on sheer madness. Maybe too much blood loss?

"I will not stand in your way." Sesshomaru sighed internally, keeping a blank face. "However, before you go, you must entrust the swords, Sounga and Tetsusaiga, to me."

Inu no Taisho didn't turn around. "And if I refuse, will you kill me? Your own father?"

The words That's not what I meant battered in Sesshomaru's chest, but only the crashing waves spoke.

Finally, Inu no Taisho grunted, "Do you desire power so much? Why do you seek power, my son?"

Sesshomaru remembered what he said to Bokuseno. "The path I walk is the way of supreme conquest, and it is power that will reveal the way for me."

"'Supreme… conquest?'" he enunciated. "Tell me, Sesshomaru, have you someone to protect?"

"Protect?" Amber eyes narrowed. Sesshomaru sighed; then straightened. "The answer is no. I, Sesshomaru, have no need of such." He dismissively waved his talons.

No sooner was the gesture complete, Inu no Taisho erupted into his immense dog shape. Sesshomaru felt himself shrink as the giant canine bounded over head and into the woods.

Standing silently for a few moments, Sesshomaru contemplated what his father had just said.

Why would I have any reason to waste my time protecting someone? Ridiculous!

He whirled around and walked back without Father, completely alone.