Serious Talk
"I'll show him who's weak, I'll bust his head and then slice him to pieces, pompous ass." Inuyasha thought while he practiced unobserved, well into the early morning with his training kata. These were helpful in building up strength as well as making his fighting techniques seamless. They were specific for Inuyasha, designed with his youkai attacks in mind so that his movements could flow from one attack to the other and he'd been fine-tuning them ever since he could use his claws. There was another set of patterns for use with the sword which he also practiced rigorously, even though he didn't have a real sword yet and had to make do with a bamboo replica.
Inuyasha had a proper timetable for these practice sessions, as had all the boys and they were carefully balanced throughout the day so that the youths didn't overdo it, or spend an inordinate amount of time devoted to one pursuit over another. And even though they were all young adolescent males with plenty of inherent strength and energy, even youkai young became physically tired, still requiring rest to grow, and for far more years than their human counterparts. Inuyasha however was determined not to fall back just because of his human blood and pushed himself harder than the rest; his brother's words scornfully ringing in his ears if he wanted to stop and rest.
In fact he had to sneak outside at night if he wanted to train; his father's decrees including bedtimes were always strictly enforced when it came to the wellbeing of the children, whether they were his own or any who were associated with him. Inuyasha knew that included the children of the staff, none of them either were to be given work too hard for their ages or strengths; therefore he had no reason to assume that Inu no Taishou would make an exception for his second son. However for a couple of weeks Inuyasha got by on little sleep without too much trouble; his stamina was greater than many full youkai because of the strength of his inherited blood.
But eventually even he showed signs of sleep deprivation, especially to an experienced tutor like The Tiger. The day of the black moon night and Inuyasha's youkai was starting to wane, he faltered on his normal routines; this spoke volumes to the ever observant tiger and aroused his suspicions. The boy was not ill and never let the lessened youkai he had on this day hinder or excuse him; by now there should be no sign of hesitation in the movements of his graceful kata dance, he had been practicing for years. Besides which, The Tiger could scent Inuyasha's exhaustion, along with anger and more importantly his fear; and if the pup was afraid of something or someone, it was time for answers.
That night when Inuyasha was certain that everyone else was asleep in his cottage, he slipped out and hurried into the forest and onto a well-worn path that led to the seaside part of his land. The steady jog took about three hours in the dark and he had designed it to help build his human stamina. As he couldn't see anything in the total darkness, Inuyasha also had to conquer his natural fear of the unseen and learn how to be light footed if he stumbled. He learned to tumble if tripped, forward rolling into a defensive position, pulling out the small sharp knife from his obi as he did so, ready to fight. Not that there was any danger to him as the strength of youki around meant that nothing strayed onto his land; although that night it took some time to register that there was no sound at all, even the insects were still.
Inuyasha was focused intently on his practice; he wanted to make sure that he was not dependent on anyone when he was human and so he pushed himself all the time in the small window he had of the moonless night. This night was only different from any of his others by the intensity of his anger at being considered weak by Sesshoumaru, and he gave himself no rest until he was picked up by the scruff of his neck. An undignified yelp left his mouth as he found himself staring into the stern gold eyes of his father; Inu no Taishou having no difficulty at all in holding his son up to his eye level. The general took instant stock of his son, the violet eyes and black hair making him look so different to his normal hanyou self, but the exhaustion was evident in the face and the responses of his body.
"You have some explaining to do My Pup." He stated before setting Inuyasha under his arm and carrying the boy back to the cottage where he then stood him in front of the fire and waited for his son to speak. Inuyasha was now sulking; he hated being treated like an errant whelp.
"What's the matter Papa? I can only practice as a human at night." The reply was curt and disrespectful.
"Calm down and watch how you speak to me. You have a routine to keep that will cover all aspects of your makeup but will not tax you too far even while it makes you exert. You know this and yet you are depriving your body of sleep by doing too much exercise and have been doing so for a while now. It has become noticeable as other aspects of your schooling are suffering; you must stop this and only do your required instructions."
"No. I don't want to…I don't need to do anymore schooling, but I do need to get stronger. I think I will concentrate on the physical activities."
"Oh, really? I don't recall giving you that as an option My Pup and if you don't want trouble you will go back to doing your set schooling which includes appropriate training for your youkai."
"I'm not going to go to school anymore…I've learned all I need to know, the rest is just worthless now and takes away from the more important things I want to do." Inuyasha's face was set in a semi snarl which looked very strange on his human features, but reminded Inu no Taishou that the boy's heart was different to those of his other children.
"You will do as you are told My Son."
"Why should I? Why should I always have to do what you say, I'm old enough to choose what I want to do?"
"You are certainly being disrespectful; once more I remind you who you are speaking too Inuyasha."
"Why do you say it's being disrespectful to want to do something different to what you want… what about you respecting my decisions?"
"It isn't what you say, but your attitude that is lacking respect. You know you can tell me anything without fear of reprisal, but you are surly and rude at the moment, perhaps when you are calmer you will be more rational."
"I'm perfectly rational and I know what I want. I am going to leave school Papa and work on my farm and make my own choices." Inuyasha said as he turned his head away and folded his arms; Inu no Taishou watched him for a moment and considered. The pup was determined and stubborn, but he seemed almost desperate in his intensity and the father could also detect the underlying fear that was more than his being human could explain. Inuyasha needed to be dealt with in a different way to the others, they would never have challenged their father in the way that the hanyou did. The youkai pups would have waited fairly obediently until they could at least have some chance to viably win a challenge in some way.
Inu no Taishou knew Inuyasha was not really issuing a challenge, although it could have been seen that way. The General's long experience however could tell the difference and he knew how humans were different to youkai in this aspect of life. It was just as well too, he thought, raising his eyebrow at the ridiculous statement Inuyasha next made.
"You can't make me go back to school anyway; my mind is perfectly made up. Nothing you say or do will make me." With that incautious statement, Inuyasha stuck his nose in the air satisfied that he had a fait accompli. The tough, cocky attitude didn't wash with the father as genuine somehow; and Inuyasha was adept at concealing his real fears although as he was human right now he was more open than when hanyou. Inu no Taishou was far from naïve when it came to pups and their behaviour and he knew this sudden change was out of character for his second son who usually enjoyed all of his lessons. Therefore it must have been recently that this decision had been arrived at; and it became obvious to Inu no Taishou that the pup had been in the gardens and had overheard his brother.
"Strength and further skill will come naturally Inuyasha, as you age and mature; you are still a pup yet and I will not allow you to keep up this imbalance. You will sleep for the rest of the night and you can relax for tomorrow ready to attend your lessons with the others on the next day." Inu no Taishou said reasonably.
"No Papa." Inuyasha said quietly, but firmly and this was a new thing for Inu no Taishou to face; rebellion in his offspring, but he didn't get angry, there was a better way of dealing with his child. Appealing to the boy's human emotions would be a much better way of subduing Inuyasha.
"You are the second Prince of the Western Lands. Would you shame your parents, your siblings and yourself by being the least educated of my children? Would you have people say that I do not care about you in the same way that I care for my other pups?" Inu no Taishou said almost mercilessly, perversely hating the fact that his words had the desired effect; Inuyasha's 'battle' aura immediately deflated and a wave of sorrow washed over him making his father want to comfort the boy. But it was obvious that Inuyasha was holding himself together and had quickly withdrawn inside himself.
"You'd rather I shamed you all by being weak? Inuyasha said roughly; "I…I am not the cleverest pupil in school, I don't have a gift like Jinenji or…or the brilliance of Gyuoh and I am finding the work harder than most…but at least I am strong, I can learn to fight better, but if you make me go back to school you will be ashamed of me in all ways." The boy was vulnerable at the moment and Inu no Taishou was well aware of the painful cost of those few words.
"None of us will ever be ashamed of you if you reach your potential Inuyasha; whatever that may be. However it is well past your bedtime and you are tired, we will talk in the morning." The father insisted and made Inuyasha go to his room; now was not the time to raise the other concerns of The Tiger. So Inu no Taishou spent the night patrolling and thinking about what he could say and do for his pup and consulting with the tutor who confirmed that Inuyasha's self-assessment was realistic. Then as the sun started to rise he became aware of the pulses of youki indicating his son's return to being hanyou and sure enough, the doors opened and Inuyasha came out to meet him.
Before Inuyasha could speak, Inu no Taishou came to greet him and putting an arm around his son's shoulders he led the boy over to the farm paddock. His thoughts overnight had led him to the conclusion that he would have to speak with Inuyasha seriously and in confidence, even if he thought the pup a tad too young still for some of the truth.
"I want you to know Inuyasha that I am vastly proud of all my children whatever their abilities; you are all hardworking and good pups. But out of everyone I know, you my little one are one of the bravest of all. I do not say this lightly; I have known many heroic warriors and your families both youkai and the original humans are and have been courageous. However you are unique and have had to deal with prejudice for all of your life and will have to continue to do so, and yet you remain a cheerful good natured child where others would have failed and become bitter.
"I need you to listen to me and heed my words well; there is also no need for this conversation to reach anyone else's ears, do you understand me My Son?" Inu no Taishou waited for Inuyasha to answer in the affirmative and once more the frisson of fear swept through the pup alerting his father to his apprehension; never before had Inu no Taishou sounded so solemn, even when disciplining his son. Deciding that it would be better if they ate first, the General took Inuyasha on a hunt; and once they had a boar ready for later in the day roasting on the fire they had used to cook their rabbit, it was time for Inuyasha to once more listen to his father.
"You overheard Sesshoumaru speaking again didn't you? Well I am not going to censure my pups from speaking privately and with friends. I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion, even to express that opinion as long as they are not treasonously plotting against the West. Your brother was unaware of your eavesdropping, but it matters not as his words were how he truly feels. You though are once again hearing more than he said; your heart supplying more meaning to his words. Remember he has spoken only truth; he would not want a weak hanyou heir. Sesshoumaru is my heir and understands and desires to produce a pup as strong as if not stronger than he is; this is most natural.
"It is a fact that no hanyou however strong or excellent his pedigree could ultimately be stronger or more able to rule as a successor to your brother. The requirements for being the best Lord and ruler of these lands is more than physical strength, it also means many hours of gruelling mental strength for diplomacy and being judge and jury in disputes. Sesshoumaru has had a more lengthy education than you or any of my other children will ever need, indeed many times the search for this knowledge has caused him grief and pain, yet he has never given in or faltered. Your brother has great strength of mind and determination even if it still shows itself as pomposity at times.
"However, Sesshoumaru does not consider you a weak hanyou, nor undeserving in any way; far from it, you know of his love and respect for you through your bond, but nevertheless you are not his heir and the harsh fact is not all hanyou turn out as well or as intelligent as you and your friends. It is an unnecessary risk that he is not willing to take." Inu no Taishou waited patiently while Inuyasha digested his words; they were not easy to swallow but the pup still needed to hear them. Presently the father spoke again, this time with more warmth of feeling in his voice than before.
"Sesshoumaru was your current age when you were born; and I left him in charge of the Western Lands for a year with advisors on hand. You too have the responsibility for your own land and those who dwell upon it. You have taken charge of its management, also under advisors and you have succeeded equally as well as your brother. You have shown excellent judgement in developing your land and are a just landlord; I hear good reports of you from all quarters and I am immensely proud of your achievements."
"I didn't think of all the ideas; Gyuoh and Jinenji did, and others just seemed to fall into place." Inuyasha whispered honestly and his father smiled.
"It takes a lot of wisdom to recognise you need advice Inuyasha; it also takes leadership and courage to act upon it. Being humble and honest in yourself to know your own limits and not to ruin your land and others homes through pig headed and misguided pride is a gift in itself. Not many youths can act as maturely as you do; even Sesshoumaru has not shown such wisdom at times."
"Will I never be as strong as Shu or even the others Papa…even when I'm fully grown?"
"No, My Son; not ultimately, even if you fought and won a fight or two, you will never attain to their true power. They have mine and their mother's blood and youki abilities handed down through powerful generations. And this brings me to my other point which is the most serious…something is making you afraid…don't try to deny it and just tell me. Trust me My Inuyasha."
"Shu, Shu…Shu said I was going to go mad…your blood is too strong for me…is this going to happen…how long…"
"No Inuyasha, I would never allow it."
"It's true then…my mind is weak."
"Listen My Son; it is not a fault of mind, rather a danger of your blood disparity and who your father is. My lineage is such that I am immensely strong; my blood that has passed down to you is also far greater than that of any human, therefore your youki is much, much stronger than your human blood can balance. I knew this before you were born and had a solution ready for such time as was necessary, plus your youkai is well trained to respond to his Alphas."
"I would go insane…"
"Not going to happen; I promise you are safe."
"Jinenji, Gyuoh, Shiori…what of them?"
"Their fathers are not so powerful; their blood has more internal harmony. Shiori might quite possibly need something, at the moment it is too early to tell."
"Shu said there was a seal…?"
"An efficient one, now forget your worries, they are needless. One day it will be time to train you with a real sword, one that can help you learn to enhance your youki into specialised attacks."
"I'll have attacks too, what like Dragonstrike?" Inuyasha perked up immediately, his worries pushed to the side for the moment.
"Almost perhaps; they will be different and channelled through the one sword whereas Sesshoumaru's strike comes from his own youki and will strengthen as he grows in power. Do not fret Inuyasha, you cannot change what you are; therefore learn to make the most of who you are. We will speak later of this, you have enough to think about for now and tomorrow you will return to your lessons. If you do as you are supposed to, I may consider you mature enough to practice with the real sword earlier than I had planned." Inu no Taishou was pleased that Inuyasha's aura was calm and the scent of fear had lessened greatly, which meant that the pup had understood his father.
How strange it was the General thought as he watched his son sleep that night, the difference between thought and reality. When he had learned that Izayoi was pregnant, he could have caused the child to abort, but the thought was abhorrent to him. Therefore he made elaborate plans for when the pup was born and as he grew; but these were all intellectual. The reality of the living boy and youth, his vibrancy and loving affection for all made him a true joy to know, but it was also costing many headaches as he learned about his place in the world. The need to protect this pup in particular was urgently strong and the father only hoped he was saying and doing the right things for his son.
Inuyasha was obedient and went back to school properly, devoting himself to the regime that had been made specifically for him. He had heard and understood all that his father had said and could see the logic, but it still hurt. As for Sesshoumaru he was expressly forbidden by Inu no Taishou to try to further explain his thoughts to Inuyasha and the older Inu didn't want his son and heir to feel he had done wrong in sharing his thoughts, it had been only when he had exceeded his authority that his father stopped him. Sesshoumaru was not happy however; his youkai was disturbed by the unusually subdued aura from his hanyou brother.
The older brother was not the only one to be concerned that Inuyasha's inner light seemed to be dimmed and The Tiger kept a watchful eye on him, seeing that the pup was often deep in thought. Inuyasha was thinking and learning, he applied himself to his lessons and no one could complain about his diligence, but he was also pondering about something he had heard from merchants who had looked to ply their trade on the farm. There was an intriguing rumour amongst the general news they brought concerning a strange jewel called Shikon no Tama.