Learning Curve

The Western Palace seemed huge and empty, bereft as it was of its Lord; normally even when Inu no Taishou wasn't at home because he was serving his lands, his huge presence could still be felt. The hollow feeling that it exuded now was wrong and disquieting. The Great Youkai had been close to death for the first time since he'd come to maturity centuries ago and Sesshoumaru was only too aware at how much he had to learn still; he would never be able to fill his father's shoes.

If only he had not been distracted by the imminent birth of his hanyou bastard, Ryuukotsusei would never have been able to bring him such a nearly mortal blow. Sesshoumaru looked down on the pup he carried in his tail for safety, the young one had become clingy to him when not being fed by his mother and due to the circumstances surrounding Inuyasha's first week of life, the older boy understood the same pull.

But the scent of humanity that lingered in the pup's blood was a weakness in Sesshoumaru's eyes; his half-brother would never be as strong as the full youkai, and that would mean he would need protection. Wasn't that something his father had said when he left to reach Izayoi, when Sesshoumaru's youkai wanted his father's power?

Of course; Inu no Taishou would know that his hanyou pup would need protection and that he could trust his eldest pup to look after the younger. After all, that is what was expected of an older brother whether he was a Prince or not, and Sesshoumaru would never fail at a task he set himself. The little brother would learn to respect and admire his older sibling, looking up to him as a fine example and his future Lord.

Sesshoumaru looked at the baby asleep in his arms and knew that that day was a long way off and he was thankful deep down; he didn't think he was ready yet for Lordship besides what it would mean if he had become Lord. The pup opened his eyes and gazed on his thoughtful brother and when Sesshoumaru once again got eye contact, Inuyasha smiled a huge fangless grin of pleasure which made the full blooded youkai feel warmth inside that for once showed on his face. It didn't look as though he would have to wait for too long for his baby brother to adore him.

This time was difficult for Sesshoumaru and very busy, for apart from his obligations as Regent, he still had his tutors to please and they were not understanding of his plight. He was told in no uncertain terms that even Rulers still had to learn all of the time, and his mind recognised the truth of the statement when he remembered all of his father's shelves, lined with new scrolls.

Out of necessity, because the brothers will not be parted for long, Izayoi had been given a suite of rooms close to the offices where most of the day's work was done. Sesshoumaru had provided her with ladies in waiting and other things to occupy her for the day; then when Inuyasha needed her, the elder brother would take him to his mother.

Sometimes Izayoi could have her son for all the afternoon if Sesshoumaru was really busy and the pup would play or sleep happily with his mother. But the peace never lasted for many hours before the baby fussed and Sesshoumaru would arrive to take him back. It became a pattern for the first year of Inuyasha's life and suited everybody for a while at least.

Inu no Taishou was healing well and taking the opportunity to allow Sesshoumaru to learn through experience, besides enjoying his time alone peacefully with his mate. His injuries were healed on the outside but it was taking longer for the internal organs to be completely renewed and he didn't want to take up the reigns again until he was at full strength. Of course he was kept very well informed of everything that happened by Myouga, who was faithful and discreet.

There had been no visits by either brother however, Inu no Taishou wanted Sesshoumaru to use the time to make his own decisions, and not be distracted or feel he could wait or rely on his father to sort out any mess he made. Letters of course had been exchanged and these were precious to both, but Inuyasha still didn't know he had any male influence for his life apart from Sesshoumaru.

As time went by, Sesshoumaru became more confident, the work suited him and he enjoyed stretching his brain, although he was not too full of himself that he didn't realise he was only dealing with the more mundane items. But he did insist that nobody look down on or treat him with condescension just because he was young and untried, and he was learning to intimidate by his aloof demeanour.

In the beginning they had tried to humour him, only allowing him to place the Regent seal against his name and ratifying documents that had already been written, but that had soon changed. One day he had come late to a meeting and had sat patiently listening to the hot air surrounding him from the advisors who ended the meeting with a flourish, putting down the paperwork for him to sign as usual.

Sesshoumaru had merely looked at them all, a stoic but not cold expression on his face, the very picture of calm and had slowly torn up the scroll. He then placed another scroll down for them to read; it was written in his own hand and already sealed; he then ignored all the blustering from the council before holding up his hand and saying:

"My Father left me Regent and you were to advise; this has not been happening, I was educated in preparation for this role and I intend to fulfil it. I will always listen to advice, but This Sesshoumaru alone, shall be the one who decides." Then he rose and walked out, leaving a stunned group behind him. After that it all changed for the better, and never again was This Sesshoumaru not consulted about the local business.

From then on Sesshoumaru walked very tall and regally down the hallways of the Palace, except for when his little brother was playing pounce with his tail. The baby had found out he liked to nap on the end of the tail when Sesshoumaru was being boring, and his brother was so used to him being there that he often stood up to leave, not noticing the pup clinging on with his tiny claws. At first he didn't mind, he liked the fact that Inuyasha wanted to be with him but things started to change.

It was insidious; Sesshoumaru had to keep his guard up to be taken seriously at such a young age, but the fact that most of his servants and courtiers thought it 'cute' when he occupied Inuyasha or let the pup play with him, started to undermine his self esteem. He would notice smiles as they looked at Inuyasha instead of taking notice of what their lord was saying, sometimes even asking him to repeat what he had said.

So in the end, Inuyasha had to be banished to spend more time with his mother during the day and Sesshoumaru ignored the tears and sulks and started to speak more firmly to the pup, telling him that they couldn't always play because the big brother was too busy. Of course Inuyasha didn't understand any of the reasoning, all he knew was that Sesshoumaru didn't come for him as much or sometimes ignored his outstretched hands.

So as Sesshoumaru learned some of how to run the lands, Inuyasha learned to play hand games and his colours from his mother who at last had longer with her baby. And while Inuyasha and Izayoi learned pup songs and numbers in the luxurious suite afforded them, Sesshoumaru was learning that a hanyou was not always a welcome thing.

It was never obvious but he heard the talk, the whispers and rumours; the word shame was often used. But Inuyasha was Inuyasha, as far as This Sesshoumaru was concerned, he ignored the gossip and tightened security around the human and her son. But he was unable to completely erase the words from his mind and stopped Inuyasha being anywhere he was, so that he would always be taken seriously. He hated anyone laughing at him, it was demeaning and he would not appear weak or childish.

IYQ Community September 2009 Week #3:

Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.

-Robert Frost