Author's Note: Birthright is the working title of this story. I intend to begin this as more or less Sesshoumaru's back-story, explaining his lust for his father's swords, his hatred of Inuyasha and humans in general. This is story is an attempt not to vindicate but rather understand his actions. Tell me if you want Rin and her past to make an appearance, or should that be a separate story all together. Inspiration: Sandman comics, the biblical story of Esau and Jacob, Babbitt the House Elf. Keep in mind, this story might be taken down.

Disclaimer: "If we shadows have offended, think but this and all is mended,

That you did but slumber'd here while these visions did appear.

And this weak and idle theme is no more yielding then a dream."

Midsummer's Night Dream

Birthright
By: Lady Erised

Prologue: Avarice

Once many years ago, longer now then it seems, the Western Lands were ruled by a powerful demon tribe. They had ruled: neither benevolently nor evilly for centuries in memoriam and seemed to be destined to stand for centuries longer. They were a powerful tribe; renown for their beauty and their savageness in battle. Long ago, it was claimed the ruling family had descended from the Moon, and as if to take their birthright with them, the Moon herself reached down and kissed them upon the brow. Ever since that day, the family had bore the moon in lunar cycles across the crown. It denoted they, above all of their kind, would control the Western Lands.

Another symbol of their kingship was So'unga. It was a blade so deadly, so feared that it was rumored no one outside of the royal family could dare wield. It was said to be the sword of Hell itself and none but the matriarch of the family dare possess it.

At the time this story begins, the wielder of the blade and ruler of the Western Lands is Joruri.

Joruri has ruled these Lands for centuries, but the fire that forever blazes behind her icy blue eyes still shines. She looks both human and Goddess in one: silver hair falls in curtains behind her and seems to cast an aura to the darken hall as she goes. Her skin is as bleached as bone, with hues of blue touching the skin like frost. Her eyes are bright, round and lovely, above an aquiline nose and prefect rose mouth. She walks huskily, as one who has been many years commanding a horse and army walks, and the armor she wears chins together like copper coins.

On her left hip is So'unga encased in its scabbard. Every so often the hilt will jingle against black scabbard; some claim it means to escape; others dismiss it as Joruri's hulking walk.

There is a demon who walks beside Joruri on her left. He is a dog Youkai, much younger then his Mistress, but just as hulking, as purposeful in his gait. He too wears the armor of a soldier, though his eyes do not burn with power and authority but with hunger. He turns now, to glance lustfully from the corner of his eyes towards So'unga. The blade jumps again. This demon finds it difficult to tear his gaze from the sword, and does so finally after much effort.

There is no one Joruri trusts more then this dog at her side; he is the commander of her armies; the great dog general, Inutaisho.

Inutaisho turns and throws another stolen look. This time is it's directed to the demon on Joruri's right. He is Fox. He dresses not in armor, but fine robes, and wears his hair long like Joruri pleases. He has been his Mistress' paramour for many years, since she asked him to murder her husband; before that, he was merely her assassin.

The Assassin, called Usagi, inhales a little and tilts his head towards Joruri's neck. He knows it is dangerous, what he does now. But there are plans to follow. Inutaisho has promised him many things. None of which will come to pass if he does not play his role. Swallowing down his contempt and disgust, Usagi leans closer and growls a little in Joruri's ear.

It is enough to capture her attention; the old warrior shifts her head and meets Usagi's eyes.

"It is late, milady." He growls. "The winter is cold."

"What would you have me do concerning this cold?" Joruri demands, but the chill in her voice is there always, and its ire is not directed towards him.

"It is cold." He repeats, never looking to Inutaisho but demanding the Dog General takes note. He moves closer, but dares not touch her. Joruri has not lived this long without knowing how to spot a trap. "Perhaps I could do something about it…for you."

Joruri's smoldering eyes set on him. She turned away from him, catching Inutaisho unawares. She ignored them both for a moment, and stared down the halls, towards the rooms of her children.

"Has Senshomi and Masami returned, General?"

Inutaisho bows his head as he steps forward. "Your daughter and her husband had not returned when last I walked the grounds. Nori and O-Takeko were in the south rooms, however," He stole another glance towards her hip. "Should you require someone to take the burden from you; I'll bring them to you."

Joruri placed a hand over So'unga. For a moment, her face became haunted, tired. "So'unga may only be wielded by me or my eldest. It is our burden, our duty."

"It could take days for Senshomi to return." Inutaisho pressed, he seemed sincere in the concern that colored his voice. "Perhaps I…"

"No." Joruri snapped. She looked up, and smiled at him sympathetically. "I do not doubt your strength, my General. But this is a birthright passed from my father, to me, to Senshomi. I cannot break the cycle of who wields the blade."

"I only mean to ease your burden."

"I know."

Usagi meets Inutaisho's eyes over Joruri's head. He smiles as the old woman puts a comforting, loving hand to his cheek. Joruri returns the smile to reassure her Dog General she meant no disrespect. His smile fades once Joruri has turn from him. She leans against him suddenly, and he can almost feel her age on his arms. He marvels how she weighs nothing at all.

"Wake me should Senshomi appear tonight." Joruri asks quietly. Her hand falls from So'unga as she allows Usagi to take her to her rooms.

Inutaisho bows, and watches them go. He turns momentarily towards the south rooms. O-Takeko and Nori are Joruri's youngest children. Both are able warriors but neither could defeat him. He trained them. He knows Nori will be the hardest to control. O-Takeko is in love with him. It is an emotion he has done his best to foster, and even give the illusion that he shares the same. Inutaisho stifles a cold laugh.

As if he could love such an emotional woman.

But her sister…

Inutaisho lets his mind wander towards the hinterlands beyond Joruri's Castle. In his mind, he envisions Senshomi underneath the moon whose kiss she bears on her brow. He imagines the warmth of her blue-hinted ivory skin, and curves of her body that must taste like wine. His lips part as he envisions her mouth, her chest, and the folds of her body under him but only for a moment.

He growls as the image of Masami drives into his head. Masami, the second cousin, who claimed Senshomi as his wife, the one who claims what should be his every night. Inutaisho hates him. But it doesn't matter.

After tonight, it all will belong to him. The Western Lands, Senshomi, and the blade So'unga.

It is as the sword promises.

Quietly, Inutaisho motions to the sentries at the hall, when he comes to them. Both bow, and walk away, never thinking to challenge their general. It was Joruri herself who said to take his word as her own.

He was continues his quiet walk to her bedroom and pauses just behind the door. He can hear the lady's moans from beyond. He unsheathes his swords and smiles ruefully. He at least has allowed her last moments to be happy, he reasons.

Then, he doesn't think. The Dog General simply barges into the room, sword out.

With one fell swoop, Inutaisho claims So'unga as his own and in doing so, becomes Lord of the Western Lands.

And with this, the story begins.