Author's Note: A brief little character sketch of "teenager" Sesshoumaru, and Ryuhoji and Tama. Expect Tajomaru, Senshomi, and the rest of the Scooby gang to make an appearance (along with the plot) in the next chapter. This was mainly Sesshoumaru playing with birds and being angst. The boy needs a journal to write poetry and a black trench coat to lurk in. Be kind, review.

Chapter Two: A Prince's Heart

Sesshoumaru was in his aviary. He usually went there when things troubled him. Sesshoumaru took, or seemed to take, some small comfort in the dozens of birds that flew free in their gilded cell, ignorant of their confinement. And why not, as far as cages went, Sesshoumaru's aviary was a paradise. He had been keeping it since he was a pup, much to his mother's dismay and Inutaisho's quiet acceptance. It became a thing of legend among couriers and servants of Lords and lesser demons that came courting Inutaisho's favor. The more unique the bird, the more lovelier, and pleasing its song, the more likely Sesshoumaru would find favor in it and maybe, just maybe, he would advise his father on their behalf.

Tama knew better. The Aviary was a haven, that was true, but not a reprieve. Despite all the beautiful, breathtaking creatures that graced the menagerie, it did little to ease Sesshoumaru's soul. Their songs fell on silent ears, and their plumage, though puffed and fanned for him, did nothing to appease his spirit.

Nothing pleased Sesshoumaru. He took no pleasure from games, or killings, from the scores of men and women who clustered around Inutaisho's son and swore to him their bodies, their souls or their love. He had no use for them. It made people in the Court whisper, and mumble. They said his name was a curse, and a title.

Sesshoumaru, the destruction of life, the incarnation of the void. He was not death, they said, for death had passions, and feelings, and soul. Sesshoumaru had none of this. He was empty. Incomplete.

The Western Prince was a hunger.

And Tama knew this to be true. He also knew, jealously, that he could do nothing to soothe the hunger that consumed Sesshoumaru. He doubtedanything could be done.

But still, because he loved him and he promised Senshomi he would, Tama pressed deeper into the aviary to find his prince and keep him company. He paid no attention to the birds he disturbed as he went. Nor did he care for the songs they sang to him, eager to find someone to please.

The boy prince at his side, however, was entranced.

Ryuhoji had come to the Dog General's Court a short time before, with his brother Tajomaru. They were sent by their father as gifts, more plumed birds for Inutaisho's peculiar son. Tama had taken an instant dislike to them. They came and were new, and made Sesshoumaru smile. He hadn't been able to accomplish that in some time.

But it was Tajomaru who had suggested the first raid. Tajomaru had a taste for blood, and had suggested the small attack on the borderlands. Sesshoumaru hadn't so much accepted as allowed himself to be dragged along. The bloodletting had pulled Sesshoumaru from his lofty thoughts for a moment, and allowed him to be young and boyish. It had allowed him to smile, it had sated the hunger.

But right now, Tajomaru was far away, fighting with Inutaisho and Usagi at the borderlands against a rival pact.

And Sesshoumaru was in his aviary.

That left Tama and Ryuhoji alone with dealing with his hunger. Gingerly they both crept closer to Sesshoumaru, careful not to disturb him.

Ryuhoji stumbled over himself as he walked, staring all around him to admire every bird that passed his line of sight. Ever the gentle soul, Tama thought bitterly, Ryuhoji could fall for Sesshoumaru paradise and never sense the storm.

They found Sesshoumaru sitting near the center of the aviary, crossed legged and quiet. He made no acknowledgement of them as they came closer. He was perfectly still, studying a small brown finch that nested in a branch just ahead. It was an unremarkable bird, a creature that paled in comparison to swans, and parrots that fluttered around. But it had all of Sesshoumaru.

"See, Ryuhoji." Tama said playfully. "I told you we would find Sesshoumaru festering here. Among the bird feces and flowers."

"Ever the poet." Ryuhoji replied, taking his place on the patch of grasses nearest to Sesshoumaru. He looked over at the finch, then back to him. "Why so entranced by the bird, my Lord?"

Sesshoumaru looked over, staring at Ryuhoji as if barely realizing he had come. He looked for a moment as if he would smile, but decided against it and turned back to the finch. "He is unhappy here."

"But why?"

Tama grunted as he fell unto the soft grass beside them both. "Who cares? Outside of this place, such a small creature would be killed in a heartbeat by a Hawk or a child's bow and arrow. It should be thankful to be in this paradise."

Ryuhoji ignored Tama gently as he leaned closer to Sesshoumaru. Putting one delicately formed hand on Sesshoumaru's mantle, he stroked it. Sesshoumaru looked near smiling again, but continued to watch the bird.

"It came here by mistake, a stowaway from the gifts, never meant to be mine."

"Then let it go." Ryuhoji told him.

This caught Sesshoumaru by surprise. He turned and tilted his head. "To die?"

"Perhaps that shall be its fate. It is not for me to say, or chose."

Sesshoumaru seemed to weigh his words, before standing and walking away from them. Tama caught Ryuhoji's eyes before pushing up to his feet and following suit. Ryuhoji looked away, and gave the bird one last long look before doing the same. They had to run to catch up with Sesshoumaru.

He had gone to the palace's main entrance and stood erect there, staring into the distance. As they caught up to him, Sesshoumaru spoke suddenly. "Would you have me let it go, Ryuhoji, and never know what became of it?" A long beat, as Sesshoumaru bowed his head. "And never know what becomes of them?"

And there it was, the true reason behind his troubling, behind watching the bird and talking of freedom and imprisonment.

The Inutaisho made war in the far lands. Tajomaru stood beside him even now. It had been weeks since they received word, and it made Sesshoumaru nervous and quiet. He had no doubts his father would be victorious in the end.

But a lot could happen before the end.

And it made the Prince troubled.

Tama felt his heart twist, and despite himself, he walked closer. He wanted very much to reach out and touch Sesshoumaru in his loneliness but knew better then to try. It was not his place to do such things, it was not his to love his Lord. That was Ryuhoji's duty.

And ever present, ever mindful of this, Ryuhoji closed the distance between Sesshoumaru and him and took the boy prince's arms into his.

"They will not be lost." Ryuhoji murmured. "Your army and your lands will be preserved."

Sesshoumaru made an angry sound. "What care I for armies and lands? Why should I care for those who demand my father continue to make war after war, and for what? For a piece of dirt to farm, a title to fear and a woman to bed?"

"Without lands, and titles, what is there?" Tama mumbled. "Love?"

Sesshoumaru looked back, catching his gaze, and holding it. Ryuhoji tightened his grip around Sesshoumaru, keeping the boy prince inert. Tama stared for as long as he dared into those golden eyes, before turning away.

The hunger in those eyes scared him.

"Love." Sesshoumaru murmured, tasting the word for the first time on his lips. For a long time, he searched the horizon, then turned around, and studied a certain room in the palace behind him. His mother's rooms. He turned again, catching Ryuhoji's gaze. "Love." He repeated. "I have little use for love of this sort."

"Then why is your heart with your father in the far lands?" Tama asked angrily.

Sesshoumaru bowed his head, and touched his chest. "I have no use for it here."

"Or perhaps," Ryuhoji countered quietly. "You fear your heart near you." He released his arm, and looked away. "It can hurt you here."

"I fear nothing."

"Show me." Ryuhoji continued. "For my heart does fear, and it is with my brother in the far lands."

"Inutaisho told us to stay."

"And is Sesshoumaru Lord a child to be ordered about like a servant?"

Sesshoumaru met his eyes, and unlike Tama, Ryuhoji met them and held the gaze. He asked, "When did Ryuhoji become a warrior?"

"When Sesshoumaru's fears kept him from doing what his heart demanded."

Another ghost of a smile crossed Sesshoumaru's pale features. "Then ready my steed and whatever mount you dare to ride." He told Ryuhoji, smiling at Tama. "We ride for the war."

Tama blinked, and stared at Sesshoumaru as he walked with Ryuhoji to the sables. "Wha…and what do you seek to find there, Sesshoumaru? Lands or Love?"

Sesshoumaru paused, and hesitated. "It doesn't matter." He said simply before continuing. Ryuhoji was laughing.

Tama grimaced. Senshomi would not be pleased…