Disclaimer: I do now own Inuyasha or any other characters (except Katsurou).
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"Katsurou."
The youkai child pulled away from his mother, and turned to look at Sesshoumaru.
"You need to commune with your beast. Tonight, we shall hunt."
Katsurou looked confused. "Oji-sama, what is my beast? I don't know...How do I do that?"
Guilt and shame lanced through Sesshoumaru, so severe that he almost turned away from the child. It was obvious that this child had little experience and certainly no guidance when it came to his demonic abilities. How could he not know his own beast? Youkai children are born with the innate ability to be in touch with their true demonic nature, their beast. Children are meant to learn how to commune with one's beast through parental example. For inuyoukai, it strengthens the bond between family and loved ones. A youkai's beast was a part of their true self, their essence, their soul.
Sesshoumaru clenched his fist in anger at himself.
Rin watched as the emotions played all over his face. She wondered if he even realized it.
Sesshoumaru had to recognize that he had failed this child miserably. He was their Alpha, their Lord, their family. He had purposely allowed this child to suffer because of his blind arrogance and hatred toward the child's father. His mother could care for Katsurou in all ways, but this one. Even if his father had been alive, they would have struggled to help him.
Sesshoumaru debated what to do. His options were very limited. It was now clear to him why his enemies sought to kill this child. The child could be considered a legitimate heir to the West, particularly with his demonic abilities. He suddenly felt ill. The most logical thing to do, and one that his advisors would agree with, is to claim the child as his own adopted son, and make him the official heir. The child, and consequently his mother, would gain a lot more privileges than simply being considered part of his personal pack.
On the other hand, if the child became his, then he would be openly declaring war on the snake tribe. Although, Sesshoumaru supposed, that was inevitable. They showed no fear of personally attacking him within his lands. They had already declared war, long ago, by killing Inuyasha. Sesshoumaru clenched his jaw in anger. The snake tribe would pay dearly for their insolence.
Were there truly any other options? He could leave them, but that was out of the question. He and this child were the last members of his father's lineage. He refused to let the child die due to his carelessness. He might have despised Inuyasha, for many reasons, whether due to his hatred of Izayoi, or the hanyou's own stupidity; but this child was innocent.
Sesshoumaru thought on his own father. His respect for him remained strong, despite how much he disagreed with him before his death. His father would want Sesshoumaru to take care of Katsurou.
His instincts shouted at him for him to claim Katsurou as his own child. The need to right his wrong was so great, it was consuming him. He looked to Katsurou's mother. Her face was bloody and tear stained.
His shame knew no bounds.
Would the miko even allow him to adopt Katsurou?
Would she allow him to be his father in the eyes of the youkai world?
Author's note:
Whew! I really struggled with this chapter and the next few. Sesshoumaru's character fought me every inch of the way. Let me know what you think!