Theme 3: Light

Sesshomaru opened his eyes as they were being bathed in a strange light making it impossible to sleep. It had been several days since he last allowed himself rest and had chosen a safe, secured place of sleep with Jaken posted outside the caves for added caution. So it was with a rapid reaction he realised he was not alone and unsheathed his claws.

In a moment of haze, he tried to strike with his left arm, only to quickly realise the impossibility of it and snarled.

"Be calm my son" a calm voice said "I will not harm you."

Sesshomaru looked upon a female Inuyoukai standing quiet at home in his cavern. She was dressed in the cloths of nobility, her long silver hair tie in elaborate brads that cascaded down her back. Golden markings adorned her face with a star on one cheek and a full moon on the other, this time it was blue. But her side were two companions who stood back. "Your retainer has been put to sleep" the companion with blue twin tails said seeing him search the cave for Jaken, her markings revealing her to be Dream Youkai .

He snarled "Get out or die" his beast was going crazy at the sight of another Taiyoukai on his territory

The female smiled "You beast is right to be wary of intruders, but foolish to not recognise one stronger than itself" she said.

"There is no one stronger than this Sesshomaru" he said and flicked his wrist to unleash a poison whip. But the whip passed though the female's ghostly form "Foolish pup, didn't your sire a least teach you to choose your attacks wisely. Or did you simply choose to forget this wisdom?"

Sesshomaru snarled dangerously "You will not insult my sire Wench" he said and attacked. But the female glared; suddenly a wave of Youkai filled the cave. It was greater than anything Sesshomaru had ever felt, greater than even his sire. His beast acknowledged it and Sesshomaru found himself forced to submit as he knelt with his neck revealed.

The female smiled "Very good Pup, as you have shown me proper decorum, I will be announced myself. "You may know me from your history studies, but you may refer to me as Lady Inuko"

Sesshomaru's eyes went wide. This was impossible, yes, his former studies did teach him of a powerful female who was Western lord, and yes it did say she had become a spirit of the world to watch her clan, but he believed that last part to be a mere story.

Regaining his composure and his mask, he faced the formidable female "You have broken your vow not to interfere" he said calmly.

As her companions bristled at the comment the female's eyes narrowed "You forced my hand Sesshomaru. And your rudeness surprises me; I would think you would know of proper manners when addressing an elder of your kin?"

Sesshomaru bowed his head momentarily upon realising the impulsivity of his actions. Impulsiveness was not something he was accustomed to, it was an action he attached to the Hanyou. He had great pride in his self-composure, but his beast was wild with anxiety at being in the presence on a dominate female on his territory that he was finding control difficult. He hadn't been in this situation since his father died.

"Forgive me my lady" he said "This Sesshomaru did not recognise you, why did you come to this plane despite you vow against interference?"

She nodded "You may ask Pup. I find myself, displeased with the actions of your kin, you in particular"

If Sesshomaru were a lesser being, he would have bristled at the insinuation, instead he asked calmly "How so my lady?"

"I found your predecessor childish, your brother impulsive, but you I find no fault in your manner or your strength, only your intentions. Tell me my pup, why do you strive for strength, what is your reason"

Sesshomaru found himself forced to answer "I wish to surpass my sire" he said.

"That is a good desire; it is good for the son to seek to succeed the father. But is that all you desire my dear grandson?"

Sesshomaru had no answer. And so Lady Inuko bowed her head "I feared so. Sesshomaru, for many, many moons I chose not to interfere with the lives for my kin, but now that you and your brother are all that is left I find I must. I was to start first with your brother, but it seems he has already found what I would have had to show him."

Was she insinuating that his half-breed brother was better than him!

Inuko seemed to know what he was thinking "Yes pup, for he had something you do not, and it is your biggest strength as well as you greatest weakness. A weakness I cannot allow any longer if I want my kin to survive. As much as I am pleased with Inuyasha, a full blooded Taiyoukai must survive the way I wish them to, or I will forever be shamed by my kin"

"What does is it that he has that I don't?" he demanded.

She smiled; I will allow you to learn for yourself. Mina, bring him in"

The attendant with orange hair nodded "Yes My lady"

A few minutes later he heard a voice he did not expect to hear.

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