An Undefined Soul

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or its characters.

Chapter 1

It was winter when the Lady of the Western Lands passed on. Her lifeless body was found near the border shared by the Western and the Northern Lands, and a war almost broke out when Lord Inutaisho was blinded by rage and sorrow, his sentiments fuelled by his most trusted War General. The Lord of the Western Lands was grieving for his mate's death and failed to notice the malicious intentions some of his subjects harboured. They were planning for treason.

Though Sesshoumaru was affected by his mother's death, the plan to usurp his father's authority did not go unnoticed by him. He ordered Jaken to travel in his place to the Northern Lands to form an alliance with the Lord there to crush the brewing conspiracy. And it had succeeded. Lord Inutaisho, upon learning the truth, plunged into another sea of guilt and misery. He repeatedly blamed himself for his poor judgement that led to his mate's death, and no amount of advice or persuasion could make him get back on his feet. There was a temporary depression that hung above the Palace of the Moon; loyal subjects were disheartened, the demon soldiers became suspicious of one another, and the royal servants sighed every so often when they thought no one was looking. Even the humans living within the lands grew doubtful of the Great Inuyoukai they once thought was invincible.

Sesshoumaru was not one for moral decline, and he decided to carry the burden of whipping the Western Lands back to its former glory. Under the cold lord's strict rule, the Western Lands began to prosper again, and support for the Inuyoukai clan rose subsequently. It was then the name Sesshoumaru became well known throughout Sengoku Jidai. The demons feared him and the humans worshipped him. Just when people thought things were going to be the same again, things got a little out of hand

The frigid young lord was determined to send some of his fathers' trusted court ministers that he found too lenient and compassionate to exile. When matters had reached the breaking point, the Great Inuyoukai suddenly snapped out of his grief and resumed his position as the Lord of the Western Lands. Though support for him had dipped, nevertheless, the majority of the court was relieved for have the chivalrous inuyoukai back.

Animosity began to take its roots in young Sesshoumaru's heart (whom by now is 45 years old, mind you). Though he held his father in high regard, the indifferent lord felt that his father was foolish. Like why he ruled the Western lands with such benevolence. Such an emotion could cost a sovereign's life, considering how many enemies the Great Inuyoukai had.

"Ruling with an iron-fist is not enough, my son." The Great Dog Demon reprimanded his heir, "In order to earn genuine respect, one must first humble themselves despite their heritage and treat his people as justly as possible." The moonlight shining into the room highlighted the veins popping from the lord's handsome face.

Sesshoumaru's mind boiled at his father's lecture. How could he? After all that he had done for father, for the Western Lands, how could they not appreciate his efforts? Why can they not see the pains he took to strengthen this monarch?

Despite the rage churning within the inuyoukai, Sesshoumaru kept his face void of any expression, the serene pale light making him look calm and ethereal, if not a little angelic. Deadly angelic, if you know what I mean.

Lord Inutaisho sighed. He knew his son was beyond angry at the moment but he did not care. What the pup did could have ended the monarch held by the Inuyoukai clan for centuries and centuries before their birth.

"Sesshou," The white haired demon lord called his son, "you are no doubt a capable ruler. But you still have much more to learn." He finished and looked searchingly into his son's hard golden eyes.

Sesshoumaru nodded, "Yes, I understand. This Sesshoumaru shall learn under father's guidance."

Lord Inutaisho blinked his eyes and dismissed his son. After he made sure his son was out of earshot, the great dog demon visibly relaxed, easing his tensed facial muscles. He removed his armour and sword and set them down by his bed and stretched his abused muscled arms. It had been more difficult than he thought it would be to put down the revolt within the lands. This had been the first time he had seen demons and humans form an alliance to fight for their rights. An act that proved his son has gone too far in his reforms.

He has more to learn.

Lord Inutaisho smiled sadly as he made his way to his wooden bed. He let out a tired breath as he sat down on the edge of the wooden frame. He seemed to be saying that a lot more often lately.

-nUndefinedSoul-

Author: Haha…another short chapter for you guys. Hmm…I had a little difficulty picturing an interaction between Inutaisho and his son, because it was never shown in the series (I think). But nevertheless, I try my best! (smiles) Keep a look out for this one because it's gonna have a twist! Hehehe…Again, read to find out the pairings…(glees)