InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Nothing Left to Lose ❯ What You Have Learned ( Chapter 6 )

A/N: Yeah, I know, the whole training thing is over done, but I really would love to see Takanou and Sesshomaru get into a fight. Or Kagome and Sesshomaru. Or some other variation of the group. Who knows, this may end up with Sesshomaru still single! *ducks flying tomatoes*. Anyways, while I love messing up their lives, I don't own any of them.

 

 

Kagome had underestimated Kumo, it seems. While Kagome had not even considered that she would need different clothing to wear to this fighting lesson, Kumo had heard about the lesson and arranged a change in wardrobe. Since the lesson was immediately after breakfast Kumo brought in some new outfits for her charges to wear to the morning meal. Kagome was delighted to see that she would be wearing something that allowed her to move again!

 

“This is what the ladies wear when they are training,” Kumo explained, laying out the new clothes. “It is similar to what the men wear, but it is much more practical for moving about.”

 

“Pants! I get to wear pants!” The new outfit actually reminded her of Inuyasha's clothing. It was cut to a similar style, with the baggy hakama and long haori. Unlike Inuyasha's clothing, though, her outfit was made of fine silk with embroidery around the cuffs and neckline. The hakama was cream colored while the haori was midnight blue. “I can almost get dressed by myself!”

 

“I am glad that you are pleased, Kagome-sama. Rin-sama, come and try these clothes on. They once belonged to my son and I think they will fit you.” Rin was bundled into a similar outfit to Kagome's but in red. “A touch big on you, but I have no doubt you will grow into it quickly.”

 

It was a wonder that they were able to calm Rin down enough to make it to her morning meal. Tackling her was the only way Kagome could catch her long enough to tie her hair back and herd her out of the room. A quick sprint through the halls brought them to their meal, not as late as usual. Sesshomaru was actually surprised to see them on time. He could not stop from sweeping his eyes over the miko, noticing the difference in her manners already. She was still quiet before the youkai, but she did not seem as uncertain. Rin was extremely excited and was chattering through her food.

 

“Sesshomaru-sama, what do you think we are going to do today? Rin is very excited, will Rin learn to fight like you? Will Rin have to fight youkais later? What will we learn first? Will Rin get to touch a sword? Can Rin . . .”

 

“Rin. Eat.”

 

“Hai, my lord!”

 

Kagome could not resist flashing a thankful smile to the youkai lord, relieved at having somebody rein the incredible ball of energy in. Sesshomaru gazed back at her, a hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth. `Great, is he laughing at me or Rin?'

 

“Kagome-chan, Rin is done, can we go?” Rocking and bouncing, Rin was more than ready to go.

 

A great sigh, then “Hai, jo-chan, we can go.” Rin was gone before Kagome could even move. “Uh, Sesshomaru-sama, may we be excused?”

 

“Hai. Miko, bring this with you, it is for Rin.” Sesshomaru held out a small sword in its sheath. “She will need something appropriate for her size to practice with.”

 

Kagome came forward and took the delicate weapon. “It's beautiful, where did you find such a perfect sword for her?”

 

“It was this Sesshomaru's from when he first learned to handle a weapon. It will make a suitably sized blade for her.”

 

`Huh? His blade? He was that small?' Kagome had an image flash through her mind of a small Sesshomaru going through his first lessons with this sword. `Kind of cute.' She flashed another smile at the youkai before hurrying out to catch up with Rin.

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Kagome-sama, I am impressed! You are no stranger to fighting, it would seem. A little unorthodox, perhaps . . .” Takanou was smiling again.

 

“Unorthodox? I just wanted to stay alive!” `I'm enjoying this, having the chance to do something more than be meek and polite.' Kagome circled with her instructor, looking for an opening. “I've watched some pretty unorthodox fighters for a long time, maybe I've picked a thing or two up.”

 

“Yea Kagome-chan! You can do it!” The tiny cheerleader was actually sitting down, having already been worn down, but was ready to yell encouragements to her friend.

 

This lesson had been in the use of a staff, since Kagome was leery of practicing with a blade. Rin had certainly enjoyed being set against a pell with a wooden sword, making ferocious yells as she attacked. Her new sword was hanging at her side. Knowing that the sword had been her Sesshomaru-sama's made it just that much more precious. Kagome did not know if she would ever be able to get that blade away from the little girl again.

 

Takanou saw Kagome's moment of distraction when she glanced over at the little girl. His smile became fierce as he dived in, attempting to sweep Kagome off of her feet. Takanou was fast, but Kagome had spent many years around youkai that were even faster. She darted back, swinging her own staff down to stop his. She followed through with a blow to his chest to knock him back. If it would have connected it would have knocked him back, anyways. What actually happened was a quick spin that put Takanou behind the ningen and allowed him to knock her down again. Kagome kicked out as she fell, knocking Takanou down with her.

 

The wind was knocked out of Kagome when the youkai landed on her, but she still wrestled with him. Staff gone, she had to resort to some less orthodox methods again. She squirmed, trying to get in a hit that would get the still surprised youkai off of her. She managed to give him a pinch in the side, making him yelp. Takanou had recovered, though, and now had his staff across her shoulders, pinning her face down. “Do you yield, Kagome-sama?”

 

Groan. `Got me again.' Kagome stopped trying to kick Takanou with a sigh. “I yield.”

 

With a swift movement Takanou sprang to his feet, offering a hand to Kagome. “I will admit, I thought you were already done when I knocked you down. I did not expect you to kick me. It would have worked better if you had not knocked me on top of you, though.”

 

`Can I have just one conversation today that does not result in me blushing?' “Well, I didn't exactly plan it that way. Next time I must remember to get out of the way before you crush me!”

 

“You were wonderful, Kagome-sama!” The little cheerleader ran up to Kagome. “Rin thought you were going to get him that time!”

 

“Thank you, Jo-chan.” Rin got a hug for her enthusiastic support.

 

“I believe that you have had enough work for one day. We can continue tomorrow, Kagome-sama. Until tomorrow.” Takanou bowed to both of the ladies, then returned to the palace.

 

“Well, Rin, I believe that we need to go get cleaned up.” Kagome was very aware that the last scuffle had gotten her covered in dirt from head to toe. Her damp hair was starting to escape from it's ponytail and was flying about her face.

 

“Hai!” The tiny hand grabbed the larger one and the two ladies made their way slowly back to the palace. Even Rin looked tired after her intensive exercise.

 

Kumo looked aghast when her charges returned. Kagome gave her a big grin, “It went well, no rips at all!”

 

The two were bundled into robes and were sent to the hot springs without even a chance to protest. After a soak the two collapsed into their beds for a well deserved rest.

 

*~*~*~*

 

Rin was quietly practicing writing her name in her room. Kagome was in the unusual position of having peace and quiet, but feeling restless. Dressed in a clean hakama and haori again she made her way through the palace, heading for the courtyard. A walk in the gardens sounded like a relaxing way to stretch her sore muscles. She had never trained in all of the years she had traveled with her friends. There had been no time, she had been too busy actually fighting and collecting shards. Seeing her staff leaning against the wall of the courtyard made Kagome smile. As much as she enjoyed shooting with her bow and arrows, there was something satisfying about learning this new style. Glancing about and seeing no one, Kagome lifted her staff. A quick check to see if anyone was watching, then she could practice. A little parry, a sweep, and then she was starting to get into it. The pell Rin had been using provided Kagome with something to hit. A small smile appeared as the miko worked on the skills she had learned that morning.

 

Standing in the palace Sesshomaru could hear someone working in the courtyard against a pell. The voice was female, and familiar. Through the window he could see the miko working against the pell with her staff, obviously enjoying herself. She had a fierce smile as she worked through the techniques her instructor had shown her. Instructor.

 

Sesshomaru growled. He had seen Kagome knock Takanou down, had seen the youkai pinning Kagome down underneath him. It had taken all of his self control to not knock the youkai across the courtyard.

 

The miko had stopped and was examining her staff. She looked rather like a warrior, dressed to train and holding her weapon. She smelled of sweat and pride, and it was intoxicating. This was the female that had caused him to lose control, this strong creature that refused to back down despite her weakness. Before he was aware of what he was doing Sesshomaru was making his way through the palace to the courtyard.

 

In the courtyard the miko had finished her examination and looked as though she was getting ready to leave, staff in hand. Sesshomaru growled. `Not before I find out what you have learned.'

 

“Miko.”

 

Kagome spun, surprised to see Sesshomaru staring at her. “Hai, Sesshomaru-sama?”

 

“You will show this Sesshomaru what you have learned.”

 

Blanching, Kagome took half a step back. “What?”

 

The youkai was advancing. “This Sesshomaru wishes to see what the healer has taught you.”

 

Wary, Kagome brought her staff in front of her. “My lord, I could just tell you . . .”

 

“Defend yourself, ningen.”

 

`Damn arrogant son of a bitch!' Kagome snapped her staff up as Sesshomaru moved, almost to fast to see. `How is this a demonstration?' Her experience with youkai helped her to predict what was coming, but it did not help much. Before she could move Sesshomaru was in front of her, reaching for her throat. Kagome slammed the staff up, knocking his hand away as she ducked and moved behind the youkai. `He's too fast!' She did not get a chance to hit as Sesshomaru turned and grabbed her haori.

 

`Asshole!' Kagome slammed the staff down on Sesshomaru's foot, a rather unexpected and childish move, but worth it to see the youkai move his foot away with a flash of annoyance. The wild swing at his head did not do her much good, as Sesshomaru grabbed her staff with his other hand, freezing her attack.

 

“Still helpless, miko.” Sesshomaru had a smug expression as he held the miko captive. “How you survived all that time with that hanyou is beyond me. Perhaps it is the undead priestess who should be getting the honor of destroying Naraku. It was her arrow, after all.”

 

Power was starting to build in Kagome, a pink shimmer appearing around her. “I have a name!” Releasing the staff she grabbed Sesshomaru's arm with both hands. Her hands flared pink, burning the youkai's arm. “And I am not helpless!”

 

Sesshomaru snatched back, dropping her staff and breaking the miko's grip on his arm. Two angry burns showed on his arm and were still smoldering. Growling, Sesshomaru faced off against the miko again. Staff at the ready, the miko glared at him. `Baka, Kagome. Now he's really going to kill me.'

 

The miko was still surrounded by her pink aura, her miko powers still active. Sesshomaru was not eager to close with her again. He circled her, more cautious now. He wanted to end this quickly, it was no longer a demonstration of her meager skills with a staff, now it was a battle of dominance. “Ningen, you would do well to not threaten this Sesshomaru.”

 

“Ka - go - me!” The aura around her snapped at her rising anger.

 

Growling, Sesshomaru dove at her, hoping to knock her down without letting her touch him. He tackled her, knocking her to her back and knocking the wind from her. A glancing blow from her left a burn on his leg, but it was small and of no concern. The miko had dropped her staff, which Sesshomaru now used to pin her to the ground by her shoulder. “Yield, miko.”

 

Still struggling to breathe Kagome glared up at Sesshomaru. “No.” She grabbed the staff, causing it to glow with the same powers and burn the youkai's hands. Snatching the now free staff she swung it at her opponent, making him move back. She staggered to her feet, leaning on the staff. She could feel her powers starting to fade, she was getting tired. “Well, Sesshomaru? Do you yield?”

 

“Insolent bitch. Did you just ask this Sesshomaru to yield? You are too weak to stand on your own and you wish for this Sesshomaru to yield?”

 

Kagome laughed. “I figured I would give you a chance.”

 

The youkai moved closer, watching the miko. “This Sesshomaru would not yield to a worthless ningen.” His claws were starting to glow, poison working to the tips. “You will yield or this Sesshomaru will kill you.”

 

Hefting up the staff, Kagome thought of the many times she had seen Inuyasha in such a hopeless position. “You can try, bastard.” At least she would go out with a bang.

 

Sesshomaru slammed into the exhausted miko, dropping her to the ground again. Kagome did not even try to hold onto her staff, simply dropped it and latched onto Sesshomaru's body and did as much damage as possible. Sesshomaru knocked her off of him, growling at the new burns on his torso. The miko's aura had faded, she was now too drained to do anything. The youkai grabbed the front of her haori and lifted her off of the ground. “Yield, miko.”

 

The miko glared. “Ka - go - me, bastard.”

 

The plan for Sesshomaru was to backhand the miko, but he was far too distracted by having her so close to him again. He pulled her closer, eyes locked on hers, growling deep in his chest “Yield.”

 

“No.” She continued to glare, even as Sesshomaru reached for her neck. She would miss Rin, but there was nothing else for her. Nobody would miss her. She closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable.

 

The strike of claws did not come. Sesshomaru's hand rested against her neck, tracing her pulse as it pounded through her body. He was astonished. `She will not yield.'

 

Kagome's eyes flew open and looked at the youkai's. They were still stained with red, but he was not looking her throat now. He was looking at her mouth. `Oh, Kami, now what?'

 

Sesshomaru pulled the miko closer, secure that she was too exhausted to burn him again. He was fixated on her mouth, wanting to possess it again. It had been so sweet, to subdue the feisty woman and feel warmth against his body. He swooped his head down as quickly as a hawk and seized her mouth, holding her against him by her haori.

 

`Oh. That's what.' Kagome was again too stunned to think, once more under the assault of the youkai lord's mouth. Instinct took over as her hands ran up to his shoulders. He was hard and demanding, but his lips were warm and soft. A shiver ran through her spine as she began to kiss the youkai back.

 

The kiss ended when Sesshomaru broke away, shoving the miko back. Too weak to stand on her own Kagome stumbled and landed on the ground. Panting, the youkai looked down at her as though at war with himself. Kagome looked back up at him, confusion on her face. “Sesshomaru-sama?”

 

Without a word the youkai was gone again.