Title: Never Hatred
Author: Loke
Summary: The struggle between two brothers. The hatred the starts their relationship, and the many hardships that they face together.
Rating: R for now
Pairing(s): SesshoumaruxInuyasha
Feedback: desired.
Characters: There will be characters from the show and characters that I made up.
Author's notes: This story is about a relationship between two brothers. Meaning; romance, yaoi, incest. You have been warned. Read at your own risk. No flames, constructive thoughts are welcome.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of it's character...I'm only writing this for enjoyment factor, NO financial benefits whatsoever.
Never Hatred
A Father's Grief
Inutaisho heart wrenched within his chest as he thought of the injustice that had settled over his household. For centuries that he was married to Sasami, he had tried everything to love her as he should, but he could not. Not then, and not now. She was his wife, the lady of his house. But like all arranged marriages, he could not find that yearning for his wife that one should.
He cared for her, loved her as one would love a close friend. When he had finally given up on ever gaining the love for her, he had hoped that she might turn to another for comfort. But the fates were cruel, for she had grown to love him and no other. And for him….he found his mate in the one person that was not acceptable by his people.
The one who stole his heart, was gentle and yet fierce. She was beautiful, soft and bright; everything that made his soul soar. Her laughter filled the air with happiness and light. Her smile was full of mischief and mystery; she had violet eyes that sparkled with every smile; her hair the color of midnight; the fragrance that flowed around her smelled of jasmine and an autumn night. Her skin the color of warm light honey, soft and glowing under the moon's light..
The moment he saw her, he felt his heart accelerate, his breath caught, and an ache spread through his chest. For a moment he was scared of the feeling that filled him, did he feared this woman?
Impossible.
A Challenge?
Yes.
The Lord of the Western Lands has never lowered his head in defeat from anyone.Izayoi Sanada.
Her beauty was not like that of Sasami's. For Sasami, the noble blood that she is; was also a demon, a dog demon princess of her clan. Her beauty was a grace bestowed upon her nobility.
As Izayoi, was a mortal, a human. Physical beauty only went so far.Izayoi was a wild beauty that came into brilliance as you came to know her. Her warmth and love shined through, enrapturing anyone who saw her.
Izayoi, the love of his heart, his mate was taken prematurely from him. He knew that when he fell in love with her, that her mortality would take her away forever. But he was not prepared when the fates ripped her from his soul so soon.
She died on the road to her village, attacked by a lone demon.
Left for dead, she struggled towards her village on her hands and knees. Knowing her time was almost through, she slashed her own stomach open with the dagger that he had given her as a gift. Before her last breathe left her body, she pulled their baby from her womb.
Some women picnicking by a nearby meadow were alerted to an infant's strong cry of distress. There in a clearing, they foundIzayoi lying dead in a pool of blood with a naked babe in her arms.
She was gone, hisIzayoi was gone, but their son was alive, her gift to him. A symbol of their love has survived. Their little hanyou; an immortal reminder that their love was real and everlasting. He will love this child, this half demon-half human child that was his son.
At this very moment he was on his way to meet the convoy that has brought his son to him. The same feeling that filled his heart those six years ago was overflowing his senses. His son….
"Father."
Inutaisho's thoughts were interrupted by the soft cold voice that pierced the silence of the great hall. He halted ungracefully when he registered the anger he heard and felt emanating from the cold voice. He sighed softly before he turned gently to meet the hard gaze of his son's eyes……….Sesshoumaru
Acceptance?
Sesshoumaru was the testament, the evidence that he was his and Sasami's son. Sesshoumaru's gold orbs and white hair were all a reflection of his fathers grace and noble blood. But his face was that of his mothers. He was always referred to as handsome and yet with soft grace of his mother.
"Why are you doing this father? You are destroying our family by accepting that half breed. I have turned a blind eye to your liaison with that whore, but to bring that mongrel into our mist, you are not only degrading our blood but insulting your wife."
Sesshoumaru saw his father tense and clench his fists tightly, but he was not about to back down in cowardice. He knew that his father was making a mistake. How could his father do such a thing?
"He is my son-" Sesshoumaru harshly cut him off. "I am your son, your heir, and unlike that creature, I am pure of blood. He will never be accepted; you should be merciful father and destroy that vile half breed."
Never before had Inutaisho ever felt such an urge to hit his own son. He loved his eldest unconditionally, but it hurt him that his own son would say such a thing. Of course, his son was also Sasami's offspring.
Sesshoumaru was raised with privilege; for the two centuries that he watched Sesshoumaru grow, he had witnessed his son's wisdom. He was ruthless, ambitious but patient. He judges with fairness and is a strong and fearless warrior. He was the perfect heir, the perfect son. Sasami was proud, but Inutaisho frowned; his son lacked one thing that he thought was essential for his son to rule. Compassion.
Sesshoumaru held no compassion for those that were weaker than him. He looked down upon lesser demons as insignificant beings; not worthy of his attentions. He scorned those demons, so humans who are not of his kind were intolerable. Insects, which infest the land, insects that needed to be crushed; humans are nothing.
Inutaisho stared at his son with unfeeling eyes, his face blank of all expression. "I am relieved you have brought your feelings to my attention Sesshoumaru, it has been noted. But as I said, he is my son as you are. And I can not under any duress kill him as I can not do to you. He carries our blood; he is your brother-"
"Half-brother!" Sesshoumaru hissed with venom. Their equal heights gave Sesshoumaru an advantage to hold his father's eyes. Identical golden eyes held fast and stubbornly refused to give.
After a few moments of tense silence, Inutaisho began again with repressed anger filtering through his voice. "You carry my blood; any that insults you, insults me. Any, whom offends you, hurts you, offends and hurts me. You are my son, as he is; the same principles go for him as well."
Sesshoumaru raised a perfectly groomed white brow at that statement. "And if I were the one that hurts him….." His voice was quiet, but full of challenge.
The silence that followed was tense, ready to break at the slightest breath of animosity that flowed between them.
"You will not lay a finger on him, Sesshoumaru. If he offends you so, as he does your mother, you have my permission to not associate with him at all. You as well as your mother are now hereby, strangers to my youngest son. You will live under this roof, but you have no obligation to him. To set foot near him, will be threatening him, and undermining me. Sufficient enough Sesshoumaru?"
Seconds passed before Sesshoumaru bowed his head respectfully to his father. He waited as his father moved passed him and down the corner. After he disappeared, Sesshoumaru raised his eyes only to see his mother standing a few feet from where his father stood. Like his mother, Sesshoumaru adorned the mark of the half moon upon his forehead. And the distinguished marks that graced his eyelids were blood red in color. The very color that decorated Sasami's cheeks.
Their eyes met and held. Gold and black; different yet held the same betrayal and hurt. "Do not do anything rash my son. Your father was serious. Do not approach the child. Just pretend as if he does not exist. It would be easier."
"Did you pretend that human whore did not exist, mother?" Sesshoumaru did not wait for a reply, simply bowed his head to his mother before disappearing down the opposite corridor.
He will keep his word. He would not go near that wretched child. No harm would come to him. No matter how much he loathes the situation, he loved his father. And the child was of their blood.
Why?
That filthy child now tainted their blood. He was a horrible mistake upon his father, but thankfully that human wench was no more. Perhaps his father would come in time to remember what was really important. Their nobility depended upon it. It was not his father fault; it was that little hanyou that was to blame.
Sesshoumaru allowed a smile of malicious content adorn his face, yes, that child would regret the day that he was pulled out of his mother womb.
The white silhouette that was Sesshoumaru disappeared down the corridors.
Inutaisho watched as a fox demon slowly approached the gates. He recognized him immediately, Yoshi. Yoshi, one of his a trusted allies that he sent to escort the humans bringing his son here.
Inutaisho's eyes narrowed when he saw the state that Yoshi appeared. Yoshi was the definition of noblility, his stature and well kept person was intimidating to others. He was always well dressed in his dark blue silks representing his clan. But to see him now, Inutaisho did not recognize him. He usually groomed midnight hair was in disarray, he was dressed as a farmer, with a plain brown jerkin fitted over darker trousers. He was barefoot, and slightly limping as he approached.
When Inutasiho realized that he might be severely wounded, and trying to hide the worse of his injures, he had difficulty trying to hold his ground and wait for Yoshi to complete his trek to him instead. If nothing else, his concern will only insult the noble fox demon.
Feeling the gaze of his friend upon him, Yoshi raised his head and met the stoic stare of the Lord of the Western Lands. His face was the only distinction that he was of higher status; clear of dirt and filth, he was handsome. Pale green eyes pearing at the Lord from a smooth olive colored skined face. His face showed nothing, but Inutaisho knew that he completed his task with little difficulty.
The group stopped about 20 meters away from Inutaisho. The humans all kept their heads lowered, not wanting to meet the eyes of the the dog demon. Yoshi, turned slightly to his left and gestured to a woman to approach. Inutaisho was surprised to recognized Yoshi's mate, Ame, move forth with Yoshi towards him. Like Yoshi, Ame, was dressed to conceal her noble airs as well as her fox features.
Yoshi and Ame inclined their heads to Inutaisho when they finally reached him. Ame slowly unwrapped her dark brown kimono while Yoshi spoke to Inutaisho.
In a strong formal tone Yoshi related his story, "The task was a success, and I…" Yoshi hesitated as he glanced at his mate. Ame lifted her chin and met his gaze and held it. Finding acceptance, Yoshi continued proudly, "We have brought back your youngest son, Prince Inuyasha."
Ame produced from within her robes a small bundle wrapped in dark blue silk. She bowed her head and she came forward and presented the baby to Inutaisho. With her arms outstreched, she quietly stood and waited for the Lord to take him. After a few moments of complete inaction on the lord's part, Ame spoke, "I am Ame, mate of Yoshi of the house of Xu-Fa. We-"
Inutaisho kept his hands at his side and watched the bowed head of the fox demon. He felt the urge to take the child from her, but he wanted an answer first.
"I know who you are child. What I want to know is 'why' you are here?"
Ame gasped, "Lord Inu-"
Inutaisho cut her off, "Look at me."
Ame slowly met the gaze of Inutaisho, she tried to keep her face free of her anxiety, but she could not as she saw the golden eyes narrow at her. She could not remember anything of a reply. She was humbled as she stood there waiting.
"Nothing to say……. Ame, I know who your father was, and not long ago, you shared your father's opinion of humans. Out of respect for your mate, I did not kill you where you stood when you insulted the mother of the very child you hold in your hands. You do remember this, do you not?….. So again I ask, why are you here, daughter of Tendo?"
Ame's lips trembled as she tore her eyes away from the emotionless stare of Lord Inutaisho. Slowly, she pulled the baby towards her chest. And inhaled the scent of the child sleeping soundly within her arms. Her heart ached from all the memories. Her voiced cracked as she spoke softly into the child's hair, yet both males heard her anguished words.
"I remember. I'm so so very sorry. Inuyasha. I…I did not comprehend how much it would affect me."
Inutaisho raised a white eyebrow in question at the demon's words. He did not have to wait long for an explanation as Ame returned her dark brown gaze to him. He watched as tears trekked slowly down her pale face.
"I followed Yoshi on this mission my lord, for malicious content. For in my heart I was angry and outraged that the child existed and was to be saved. When I….I saw Inuyasha my lord, he knew, the child knew, I could see in his eyes. But he smiled, he smiled at me. Innocence, he was not horrible as my father told me. He is just an innocent child. I care deeply for your son my lord, I swear upon my father's grave that I would never hurt him."
Ame sobbed quietly, but her eyes never left Inutaisho's. "Prince Inuyasha has my heart. Please."
She did not know what she pleaded for, but she felt the ache grow within her. A terrible dread that grew, not from fear of her demise, but from fear of losing-
"Let me see him Lady Ame."
She watched with quiet pain as her arms extended automaticly for Intaisho to take the child from her. The ache grew, and the tears fell freely once more.
Inutaisho turned to regard Yoshi, but the fox demon would not meet his eyes. He smiled downed at his sleeping child when he realized what he must do to help both his son and Ame as well.
"Ame."
Ame looked up at the lord with anguished eyes. What ever the lord's punishment was could not compare to the pain or fear she felt at this moment.
"I believe you Ame. Sad that not all demons could remember such things as innocence or love. For I do believe you love my son as if he were your own." Inutaisho watched Ame tremble at his words, but her gaze stayed fast on the infant in his arms. Love….unconditional love glowed within her demon eyes.
"I want you to help me Ame in protecting Inuyasha from those who want to hurt him. I fear for his safety. Can I rely on you Lady Ame?"
Ame knees buckled and Yoshi step forward to grabbed her before she met the ground. She trembled within his arms as she tried to understand Inutaisho's request.
"Yes. Yes, my Lord. I would protect him, guard him with my life. Thank you."
She finally could not hold the emotions at bay and broke down sobbing. Inutaisho gazed at her before he met Yoshi's stare. He inclined his head towards him before turning and moving away from the couple and towards the castle. Inuyasha secure within his embrace.
8 .
Sesshoumaru watched from his balcony as his father cradled the infant to his chest lovingly. He frowned when he witnessed an expression appear on his father's face that he had never seen before. Delight….pure happiness. The emotion was foreign to Sesshoumaru, he was puzzled to think that his father of noble stature, feared by all, could feel such a base human emotion.
The human woman must have poisoned his father's thoughts to such things. And yet, Sesshoumaru felt a loss, something yearned to receive such adoration. He scowled and turned away from the scene unfolding down below.
Already the effects of the half breed's presence reflects upon the inuyoukai household. He felt the anger and loathing push that slight feelings of yearning away. Safe within his hatred and contempt for the child, he inhaled and acknowledge, if not accept the infant's scent into the family. Temporarily. He smiled slightly at the thought.
When he becomes Lord of the Westernlands, Inuyasha will die. That will be his first action as ruler of these lands.
8
Sasami tried to comprehend the meaning for Inutaisho's actions. The child will never be accepted, he will live among youkai in fear and rejection. If nothing else, she was a mother, and could not understand how her husband could let a child live like that. It was better if he was spared the humiliation and just killed. Spare her another humiliation as well.
She narrowed her black eyes as she recalled a time long ago,………… when she realized that she did not possess her husband's heart.
Sasami walked down the halls as fast as she could without actually running. Inutaisho was home. She could not wait to see him. She felt her heart beat faster within her chest at the very thought of her husband. She turned a corner and saw her son waiting outside his father's library door. She tried to keep her face from showing her confusion at seeing him there.
Sesshoumaru's back was turned toward her, but she could see the tension lining his back. She cautiouly waited for him to speak. She silently watched as the setting sun from a near by window shined on her son, making his white hair shine gold, almost angelic. She felt pride well up within her at how handsome and regal their son turned out to be. Smiling as she remembered that he should be taking a mate soon. But who would be good enough for her son? She softly sighed.
Sesshoumaru's ear flicked at the noise, he softly turned to see his mother softly smiling at him. He only raised a white brow at her in question.
She shook her head and ask her own. "Is your father in there?" She inclined her head to the door and waited.
Sesshoumaru's turned away and stared out the window. His face void of any emotion he spoke quietly to her. "There is something bothering him. He was not himself on our journey back. He wishes that no one disturb him while he speaks to you."
Sasami frowned in worry, "What happened, is he hurt?"
Sesshoumaru pushed away from his position and walked passed her down the corridor she just came from.
"He wished to speak to you mother. I will make sure no one disturbs you, before I retire. Good evening mother."
Sasami refused to let the fear wash over her as she watched her son walk into the darkness and disappear from her view. She turned towards the door and in quick strides pushed it open.
The room was dark, all the windows were closed keeping the cold wind outside, and yet the room left a chill upon her skin. She could not see her husband, but his scent was close.
"Close the door Sasami." She managed to stifle a gasp before it passed her lips, but her heart beat faster at the sound of his voice. She did as her requested without hesitation. But as she turned back to speak, her efforts were stopped by his lips upon hers.
Her whole body was in shock at the turn of events. She did not try to stop the desire that flowed through her at the contact. For so long she wanted her husband to love her like this again. She rejoiced as her body hummed in rememberance of his touch. His hands craddled her face as his soft lips moved away from hers, and kissed a trail upon her ivory skin. She groaned as she felt his velvet tongue caress the red stripe upon her cheek. She pressed herself further against him, wanting more, needing to feel everything. Her hands moved from her sides into his haori, trying to find bare skin. Before she could reach it she froze with shock.
Her breathe froze within her chest when she realized where his kisses had ended. She was so intent to touch his skin, she did not understand what he was doing until she felt a slight pressure upon the juncture of her neck and shoulder. The pressure increased, but did not break the skin.
In the stillness of the room, she felt his strong hands holding her arms imobile, she could hear him breathing harshly from his nose. His hot breath fanned over her skin where he pushed her kimono out of the way. Her mind raced, as she understood and felt a thrill run through her body.
She inclined her neck further to the side to give him more room to claim her finally as his mate. After patiently waiting all these years….she felt his fangs pressing hard…
'finally….my love'
She closed her eyes and waited for the pain and pleasure the symbolized their union.
But it never came. She felt his hands move away from her as his lips left her neck. In her confusion she reached out blindly for him.
"Inutaisho…my love..?"
As if by magic, a candle burned and illuminated the room. She gazed across the room at her husband's back. Her hands itched to touch him, make sure that he was real. But she held her ground and softly called his name again.
"Inutaisho…why…what happened? Why did you not con-"
She stopped mid sentence as he turned and looked straight into her eyes. His face was stoic, but she saw pain and anguish swirling in his golden eyes. "My love….what's wrong?"
She crossed the distance between them and took his face between her hands. She watched as he closed his eyes at her scrutiny. But she minded none off it. She would lift the pain from his heart. She softly caressed his lavender marks that adorned his white cheeks to his red full lips.
"Sasami…"
She was about to kiss him when he opened his eyes and spoke. She smiled softly up at him in adoration.
"What is it?"
"I…..I can not take you as my mate."
Sasami felt her smile falter and fall. She could not have heard right. …."I don't understand."
He quietly spoke the words that shattered her heart. "I tried to forget her...I tried to mark you tonight, but I can't..." The silence was deafen as they stood looking at eachother. "I've bonded with another."
The walls closed in on her. She could not breath properly… "What?"
Inutaisho moved away from her hold on him and quietly reply. "I took someone as my bonded mate."
For a moment...all she heard was the beating of her own heart. She felt a cold dread run down her spine.
"…..NO! NO! You're lying! I love you…and you love me. You are my husband, you can not take another as your mate. You're suppose to bond with me."
"Sasami…"
"How can you do this!"
"We have not been together for a long time Sasami, I-"
"Is that your excuse? Is that why you have choosen another, because we are husband and wife only by title?"
After many years of being married to him, she had waited patiently for him to want her like she had wanted him. But it seemed her waiting was invain. Her anger boiled within her, and without thought she launched herself at him. Her claws poised to shred at him, when he swiftly caught both wrists and restrained her.
She did not struggled for she knew it was futile. Her anger dissolved as her eyes misted over. Her voiced cracked, "Why are you doing this to me?"
Inutaisho released her and turned away, in a shuddering breathe he spoke, "I was not trying to hurt you Sasami. I tried to stop these emotions, but it was against my powers. I can't stop it Sasami, I'm sorry."
The disdain in her heart will not vanish, for it has festered for years. When she found out later that it was a human he had chosen, she was furious. He had bitten an human, marked her as his, made a human his bonded mate. It was disgusting and an embarrasing to her.
The past will never be over. Today is evidence of that.
Sasami was silent but observant as her husband approached her in the gardens. She could detect both father and son coming from different directions towards her. But unlike his father, Sesshoumaru did not appear immediately but waited to be acknowledged. Respect for his elders.
Sasami turned to greet her husband. She inclined her head in respect; neither spoke as they stood there arms length from eachother. Even now she felt the distance between them. The human woman gone, only a memory, but her presence still lingered in their household, lingered in this child.
Her face neutral as she turned her gaze to the child in Inutaisho's arms.
She felt the blood drain from her face as she first took in his features.
The child appeared to be asleep. His small round face the color of pale honey. A beautiful tanned cream touched with startlingly black lashes and smoothly arched brows. His nose perfectly proportioned to his face and red bowed lips. Lips slightly parted revealing a pink tongue as a purr emerged. What startled her the most was his ears, two puppy dog ears perched on top of his snow white hair. White fur covered the ears, outlined in the shape of a triangle.
Hanyou……
A hanyou amongst their midst. A hanyou who looked like a little angel. The beauty of his father's people was blessed upon him. The fates were cruel indeed. She did not know how long she stood there stalk still just staring at the child until Inutaisho's voice broke through her thoughts.
"Sasami, I will not make this anymore difficult than it already is. Inuyasha is my youngest. I'm not asking you to accept him, but you will recognize his place as my son, and as prince of there lands.
Sasami blinked softly up at her husband. She saw his golden eyes narrow dangerously at her. His jaw clenched stubbornly and yet his face was still serene.
It was not a request, but an order. Resentment coursed through her. She felt her hackles raise to protest, to verbally insult the half breed within his arms, but something stopped her from openly defying her husband.
She was silent as she mused over her thought before meeting his eyes evenly. She knew her place, she will accept this as she accepted Inutaisho's infidelity. She nodded once to her lord husband, before lowering her eyes to the child.
Such white downy hair. She was horrified when she realized the sudden urge to touch that said hair.
She remembered others speaking quietly about how disgustingly human Hiko was, and yet her son was anything but human in features. Only in the color of his flesh was from his mother. But he was Inutaisho's son in all else. She felt bitterness well up within her at the thought. Ever since she carried Sesshoumaru, she had hoped that he would be the mirror image of his father. But that was not to be.
Sasami recalled all the woman in her household commenting on Sesshoumaru's likely resembles to her father. Where all beauty, grace, and ruthless amibition pass on to her, and seemingly now…. her son.
Sesshoumaru's hair was a trademark of Inu-taisho's clan, just as the only clan that is able to transform into the monstrous demon of inuyoukai.
There was no mistaking Inuyasha for anyone elses. He was indeed the son of the Lord Inutaisho. As Sesshoumaru is the son of Lady Sasami. 'Inuyasha….what a name.' She mused.
"Inuyasha…who-"
Inutaisho anticipating her question, answered softly. "I chose the name. I think it appropriate."
Before Sasami could comment, Inutaisho looked past her into the grooves. She watched his face change briefly, emotions flickering across his face to quickly for her to interpret. But then his indifference showed through once again.
"Sesshoumau, you may come forth."
Sesshoumaru emerged quietly from the Sakura trees and moved towards them. His face mirrored his father's expression. He knew by tradition how to welcome a new number into the royal family, but he could not make himself acknowledge this half-breed as his brother.
What he did at this very moment depended on his future relations with Inuyasha. Before he was announced audience, Sesshoumaru felt his mother's distress. But it quickly disappeared, overrun with bitterness and angry determination. He stopped two feet away from his father and waited. And waited.
He knew his duty….acknowledge Inuyasha. But his youkai reared with defiance within him. Never will he look upon this child with nothing but hatred. Never.
Under the arm of his yukata his hand clenched into a fist. His claws lengthened and the acidic poison started to flow. He felt his claws pierce through the skin of his palm and the poison mingled with the red blood that flowed free from his pierced skin. Though the mild pain, his face remained stoic.
The demon within him simmered in its fury, it grew in volume until he felt the familiar rumbling of a growl about to burst forth from his lungs.
The winds changed directions and a new scent reached Sesshoumaru senses. The smell of autumn leaves and wild cirtus trees. Adruptly the youkai calmed, it was so sudden that Sesshoumaru was disoriented for a second. Confusion and helplessness was an unpleasant feeling. Emotions that he never wanted to experience in such abunance. He could not decipher what had silenced his demon blood.
He heard his mother gasp audibly next to him. Without his cooperation, his head lowered until he met golden eyes. Eyes so like his own, maybe darker in shade. Yet that was not what he noticed first, the golden gaze staring curiously up at him was innocent. No hatred, no contempt, just a deep sense of innocence.
/Was he ever that innocent when he was a child? Did he look upon everyone with such fascination, such helpless innocence/
Sesshoumaru gritted his teeth as he tore his gaze from the child and straightened. Such trivial nonsense. He met his father's eyes with ill concealed scorn. He wanted his father to see in his eyes what he really thought of this hanyou.
/Nothing of importance. He was not worthy of this Sesshoumaru's attention. He would rather die than to accept the hanyou as his brother./
He watched his father raised a white eyebrow in aquistion. He felt a tightness within his chest when he realized that his father understood and accepted his silent statement without protest or fury. He was disappointed, he felt it deeply. Father and son stood only a yard apart and yet felt like miles away; they assessed eachother before Inutaisho spoke in his soft calm voice.
"Inuyasha will be raised here as my son. He will be trained and educated as Sesshoumaru was. But he will not take the same path as my first born. He will be trained to be a General of my forces."
Sasami and Sesshoumaru both stiffened at the declaration. Sesshoumaru did not known which was worse. Prince Inuyasha or General Inuyasha.
/It was outrageous. A hanyou? No one would believe such a claim. A hanyou's place is nowhere near a demon army, especially a force such as the Inuyoukai's. It was an insult. No one would follow this. His father's endearments to the child would be his down fall./
Sesshoumaru would reject such an act. An embarrassment to their family and honor. Deep down, he refused to acknowledge the real fear.
/This hanyou will not be compared to him. He can not accept it./
"Father….a hanyou will never be accepted to such a status. That is if he is even able to achieve such a level. Even then, do you honestly think a full blooded demon would take orders from a hanyou?"
Inutaisho patiently watched the display of emotions in Sesshoumaru's eyes.
/Still very young to comprehend and yet old enough to hate entirely./
Inutaisho mourned for his eldest; somewhere along Sesshoumaru's youth, his son learned to leave all his emotions behind. Except for his bitter hatred. A hatred that burns brightly as years roll by. Now it's too late. He knew that he had a part in his son's emotional suffering, but an apology now would end badly. Too little…too late.
He will not let Inuyasha come to such a fate. He will not let another of his blood succumb to such a life. Inuyasha will learn to live and love passionately. Like Izayoi.
/Beautiful Izayoi. She was strong in will. As her son will be. Inuyasha will not bow to no man or demon alive./
"He will succeed. He has the Inuyoukai blood flowing through him. Through training and discipline, he will be able to control his power and earn his title. Like any who has become a General in my forces, he will be tested. His worth will be weighed, only than will all of youkai understand his worth…and accept it."
He gazed at both mother and son before he shook his head sadly. Their silence filled the clearing in the beautiful garden. Inutaisho turned from them and walked back towards the palace.
/They do not have to understand. But they will know of this little one's strength…all in due time./
Before he disappeared from their sight, Inutaisho murmured softly into the wind. It was quiet, but both occupance in the clearing heard it.
"I have no doubt he will succeed."
Note: Five years have passed.
Everyone had gotten used to the noble Lady Ame running through the palace as if the devil was at her heels. No one paid it a mind as her usually pristine kimono was in disarray and her hair flying wildly behind as she searched for her young charge.
"Inuyasha!"
She turned a corner of the halls just as a tail of a red silk and white hair disappeared from sight. She doubled her efforts when she heard delightful laughter echo through the halls towards her.
"Stop this instant pup! Inuyasha!"
She turned the corner where she saw him last only to almost collide into her target. Before she could scold the child, he threw himself at her and hugged her waist. The irritated look that marred her face disappeared as she glanced down at the head that was trying to bury itself against her abdomen.
She opened her mouth to speak when he tilted his head up to meet her eyes. Golden mirth reflected back at her as well as a little anxiety. The five-year-old face was soft with youth and happiness. Ignorant happiness.
In the presence of such harmless manipulative innocence, Ame could not hold on to her irritation. She caressed the soft white hair as she smiled fondly down at the child.
"What am I to do with you little one?"
Inuyasha grinned his little toothy smile at her before grabbing her arm and tugging. "Come Mimi…I want to go to the gardens. Please, I'll finish my lesson after this break! Oh please Mimi."
Ame sighed softly but did not protest as the child's small hand entwined with her own. Together they went to greet the morning in the only place that Inuyasha found sanctuary in a house full of youkai.
As they walked briskly, the Lady Ame could not help but smile as Inuyasha carried on a one sided conversation with her. She did not have to speak as he rattled on endlessly. Distantly she heard him pointing out various things as he calls her by that silly nickname Mimi. When Inuyasha was first learning to speak, he would try to call Ame, but with his limited vocabulary, her name became a fond Mimi.
At the end of the many corridors they came upon a large archway leading into the royal gardens. There Inuyasha pulled away from his foster mother and with innocent delight started towards the sakura trees.
Ame silently followed. She sat quietly amongst a bed of field flowers and watched her beautiful little one.
No one ever ventured into the gardens anymore. Ame and Inuyasha over the years saw these as a place to hide from the outside world that was cruel to such an innocent life. They planted flowers and trees, amused themselves at the flowing stream that ran through the glorious gardens. Everything here was beautiful, calm…..peaceful.
Ame's thoughts were interrupted when sounds of giggling delight flowed through the clearing.
She smiled, her heart's sadness easing when the sight that greeted her. Her young pup /for he was hers in everything but blood/ was trying to pounce on a blue jay that seemed to find the pup's hair a nice place to land.
At the tender age of five, Inuyasha was full of mischief and happy ignorance. His innocent smiles and laughter filled the castle, anyone whoever met the young prince were enamored by such grace and wisdom in his golden gaze.
Even with his hair in disarray, his red silk kimono rumpled he still looked completed…
"Yasha. What are you doing?"
Inuyasha turned to her with a silly look upon his face. In his cupped hands was the captured blue jay.
"Mimi, we have a new friend today. He likes my hair."
He grinned at her before he ran over and collapsed upon her lap.
"I want to introduce you to Piho."
She held him close to her chest as she watched him open his hands to introduce her to the singing bird. She was not surprised that the bird calmly perched in the small-cupped hand. Earlier in Inuyasha youth, Ame realized that many sorts of animals seemed drawn to the pup. Once, one early morning she heard laughter in Inuyasha's nursery. She opened the doors quietly to only witness her pup giggling as a beautiful eagle softly pecked his hair while he perched in the pup's shoulder.
Her alarm grew when she took Inuyasha walking once and a bear cub jumped through the bushes and started growling at them. Before she could destroy the bear, Inuyasha clapped his hands in delight before running to embrace the cub. To her surprise, the cub only licked Inuyasha's chubby face.
So many more incidents of those natures made Ame confirm how Inuyasha's spirit was so much more then they realized.
A truly remarkable being, and yet underestimated by many; even his own family. Inuyasha's stepmother as well as his half brother will see someday.
Ame smiled.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Piho."
She kissed the top of the snowy white head before inhaling the pure scent that was her pup. /Innocence…love/
/One day Yasha, you will be great. And I Ame, of the house of Xu-Fa am proud to call you the son of my heart. I love you so. Never forget that. Never forget my love for you./
"Never forget, little one."
She knew her silent whisper was heard when the furry white ear twitched.
"Never Mimi." Came the soft reply.
They secret promise to each other.
They sat in silence for a while, before a familiar scent greeted them upon the winds. Followed by an amused voice.
"I thought I might find you both here."
TBC>>>>>>>