Unable to see through the group of tall men, the mottle-haired youth stayed back with a few of the others. As he waited for his chance to see, he noticed another young man hanging back from the crowd, staying towards the entrance hallway where he had just recently come in. He stepped over to the other, cautious.
The second youth was his height, with long, silky white hair and two stripes on either cheek. Above his sharp golden eyes, the center of his forehead was graced with a crescent-shaped mark. His expression was carefully disinterested.
"Aren't you going to go and see him?"
The white-haired young man glanced disdainfully at the mottled youth. "Why should I, Shirokiba?"
"Well, he--"
Shirokiba's reply was cut off; Seibunishi had gazed through the crowd and focused on one of the two standing at the far wall. "Sesshomaru!" he called loudly, startling the white-haired youth. "Come here, son, and meet your little brother."
Surprised, Sesshomaru hesitated, but Shirokiba nudged him. "Go on."
The White Lord's older son came to stand before his father. Almost reluctantly, he let his eyes fall from his father's face to the little bundle the elder demon held.
"Here," Seibunishi said with a wry smile, setting the child in his son's arms. "Be careful with him, now."
Startled, Sesshomaru clutched the infant close, unsure of what to do. A few of the others chuckled at his wide-eyed expression, so unusual for him. He looked down at the tiny face, seeing the round-tipped, cublike ears covered in baby-fur, and the surprisingly thick skullcap of hair so white and fine that each strand seemed almost transparent. The baby's toothless mouth opened in a wide, O-shaped yawn, letting out a tiny gasping sound.
Unconsciously, Sesshomaru's expression cracked into a small smile.
Almost as if in response to his brother's smile, the infant's eyes came open, surprisingly large in the small, round face. They were soft blue like any newborn cub's, but held flecks of sun-color, promise of the golden gaze they would one day bear. Those large, curious eyes focused sleepily on Sesshomaru's face, and the demon-child gave a small puppylike cry.
Sesshomaru's smile twitched up a millimeter. "Hello," he whispered softly.
Seibunishi grinned and slapped his elder son's shoulder. "You two will get along just fine," he said happily. "You'll have to show him the ropes, son--he'll need a big brother to teach him the way."
Sesshomaru looked up into his father's eyes, feeling a sense of connection like he never had before. For the first time since he was a boy, he allowed himself a full, pure smile.
"Sesshomaru!" hissed a sharp voice from the hallway. "Sesshomaru!"
The faces of both White Dogs fell. "Your mother is calling you," Seibunishi said, with a hint of reluctance.
Sesshomaru gazed at his father almost pleadingly. Tell her off, for once! his eyes seemed to beg. Let me stay!
Seibunishi carefully took the baby from his son's arms, to Sesshomaru's disappointment. "Go on, now," the White Lord said gently. "See what your mother wants."
With an inaudible sigh, Sesshomaru headed for the hall. Seibunishi turned his back on his elder son and grinned to his fellow Daimyos. "Come!" he commanded. "To the Council Chamber. I will name this child my heir."
The six lords, along with one fellow witness from each of their Clans, obediently followed the Daimyo through the halls to the huge, vaulted, underground room that was the central meeting place for the leaders of the Seven Dog Clans, directly beneath the High Stone. Not a one of them looked back at the younger White Dog, and none saw the half-hidden expression of fond wistfulness on his face as he paused to watch the child go, carried in his father's arms.
Sesshomaru had to follow his mother, Lady Yukishima, in the opposite direction. The White Lady was an older woman, even for a demon; her face was beginning to show lines of age that she strove hard to hide with fine clothing and well-primped hair. Her face and body were marked heavily with dark stripes, much more than Sesshomaru, and she bore the same crescent mark on her frowning brows.
"What were you doing?" the older Lady demanded softly once the Daimyos were out of earshot.
Sesshomaru drew back, trying not to let his confusion show on his face. "Doing? I went to see what--"
"I told you not to come here! I thought I made it clear that I don't want you near that woman's quarters."
"Mother, I only wanted to see the child. I was curious."
"I gave you orders."
"I wanted to see him." Sesshomaru gave a small frown. "He is my brother."
Yukishima let out a low snarl. "That whelp is not your brother! You are Seibunishi's one true son and heir--or have you forgotten that?"
"No," the younger demon gritted, working hard to keep his expression impassive. "But--"
"Do not let sentimentality get in the way of your purpose," the White Lady reminded him sharply. "You have been raised and trained to succeed the White Daimyo as the Great Demon of the West. Only you can fulfill this destiny--not that half-breed. You are strong. You are clever. You are powerful. You are a true demon lord, and you have no mercy on those who oppose you."
"Mother, listen--"
"This game of Seibunishi's...naming that brat as his heir...it must be stopped. Something must be done about this."
"Nothing can be done," Sesshomaru said more strongly.
"We shall have to be more forceful when we move this time..."
"Mother, it will do no good."
"Sesshomaru--"
"Listen to me, Mother," the younger demon said, his face shifting to just this side of angry. "I know we've talked of this, but...I cannot. I will not."
Yukishima's face flashed sudden shock, then controlled rage.
"I've grown bored of your secret obsession, Mother, and I tire of being your tool. I know that I was the one who would have been the Daimyo of the White Clan. But it is not up to you, nor me. The White Lord can choose his heir as he pleases, and he has chosen. And despite what it might mean for me..." The dog-demon paused, swallowed, and tried to find words to continue. "Seibunishi is my father. And Inuyasha is...my brother."
The two White Dogs locked in a staring match for several long seconds, the elder's burning with rage and the younger's flickering in resolve. This final, silent showdown had been a long time in coming; Sesshomaru was resentful of Yukishima's careful control of him.
"You will do as I say, this moment," Yukishima hissed.
"No. I will return to speak with you later." Sesshomaru spoke conclusively. "I am going to see my father--and my brother." Without waiting any longer, he turned his back on his mother and strode away, heading for the Lady Ayako's quarters once more.
Lady Yukishima could do nothing but stand and tremble with rage, staring after him in shock.
By the time Sesshomaru came back to that hallway, the others had returned and were filing past him to return to the outside--and to bear the news to their waiting Clans. Seibunishi was in Ayako's chambers with her and her handmaidens; he could hear his father's voice speaking kindly and laughingly.
That voice held pleasant memories for him; whenever his mother let him spend time with Seibunishi, it had always been enjoyable. When he was a little child, just being held in his father's arms or placed on his father's shoulders was enough to brighten his heart and face for the whole day. As he grew older, their quality time spread to things such as swordplay and hunting. He could put aside the coldness his mother enforced in him and feel free to truly be himself. His father's warm, friendly voice with that rough burr and gentle tones always calmed him inside.
But it was short--always short. Few and far between, with Yukishima watching over him like a circling hawk, as though to make sure he didn't get too close to his father. She had great plans for him as the Great Demon of the West, and they did not include Seibunishi. But it was far too late--it had been too late the moment he'd first set eyes on the great White Dog. He regretted how much of his life he had allowed his mother to control, to keep him apart from his father. And they had grown apart over the decades; perhaps his new little brother was the link they needed to become close again. Those few minutes he could spend in his father's presence whenever he had the chance--those were moments he cherished.
Sesshomaru came to the door of Lady Ayako's private bedroom. The door was slightly ajar; he peeked in quietly to be sure he was not disturbing a private moment between the Lord and his mate.
Lady Ayako reclined on the bed, looking tired and bedraggled but still just as beautiful, her long dark hair flowing around her and her deep violet eyes glowing with maternal love. Her handmaidens were quietly busy at their various stations, some cleaning up and others playing soft music.
At her bedside stood Seibunishi, still as cheerful as he had been before, laughing and talking as he held her hand. He didn't see Sesshomaru standing in the doorway. To the younger White Dog's surprise, beside his father was...
Shirokiba, the wolf-dog youth that his father had taken in, was cradling the infant Inuyasha and talking with Seibunishi. The younger demon had a look of joy and wonder on his face, as if he too had been given a younger brother that day. Seibunishi was laughing with him, talking freely--and the group of them seemed like such a happy family...
Then Shirokiba gently passed the baby back to Seibunishi, who cradled the tiny pup while bouncing him a little. Awakened, Inuyasha creeled loudly; Seibunishi laughed and knealt to set him in his mother's arms. Lady Ayako kissed her lord's cheek and gathered her newborn son close to her.
As the tiny infant nursed, Seibunishi stayed beside his mate, one arm around her. His other hand--a paw that had crushed mighty ogres and slaughtered armies of demons--gently stroked the baby's silky head. The great White Dog's expression was peaceful and full of love, with his family gathered close in his arms.
As Sesshomaru watched them there, something cracked painfully deep inside him. That child--that half human, secondborn puppy--was not only usurping his place as the future White Daimyo, but was usurping his place as his father's son.
Inuyasha would grow up knowing all his father's love and attention--he would be carried on his father's shoulders, bounced on his father's knee. His father would have time to play with him and tuck him into bed every night. His father would take him out hunting every day and teach him to use a sword like a master. His father would be there for him always--not only on select occasions when a jealous mother allowed.
Sesshomaru's impassive expression slipped. He felt a great wave of anger and hurt, and for now it only had one source--the infant who had stolen his father's heart. Before his face slid completely into a snarl, he whirled and strode away, not even announcing his presence.
Shirokiba had noticed Sesshomaru's intent stare at the infant in Lady Ayako's arms. He had seen the expressions of anger and pain that flashed across the young White Dog's face. He couldn't move to call attention to the other youth, to get him invited in--the other's expression held him transfixed. Sesshomaru was gone before he could snap out of his surprise.
His face scrunched up in pity, Shirokiba sighed and wondered how he might help his mentor's oldest son break free of his mother's dark legacy.
Outside the White Lord's den, on the grounds surrounding the High Stone, Sesshomaru shifted to his true form. He needed his true body's strength and power to hold back what had broken within. For, as the conventional wisdom goes, dogs are unable to shed tears. Unfortunately, seldom do demons adhere to conventional wisdom.
Deep in the black woods lit only by the silver light of the full moon, a giant white dog-demon fled swiftly through the night.
The End