InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Nothing Left to Lose ❯ Intentions ( Chapter 7 )

A/N: Geez, I hope you guys like where this is going, `cause I'm running blind here! Well, a big thank you to all of the people that are following along, and feel free to let me know what you're thinking. Still own nothing, nothing has changed since last night.

 

 

“Easy, Kagome-sama, you are not supposed to brain your instructor!”

 

“Sorry, Takanou, I think I just got a little carried away.” Kagome eased back, trying to remember that this was just practice and that she had no reason to hurt this particular youkai.

 

For his part Takanou was rather concerned. For the last five days Kagome had been practicing like one possessed. And not only had she been practicing, she had started to include her miko powers in her tactics. He was still sporting a burn on one wrist from a blow that she had not pulled in time. The healer felt as though he just might be in over his head, the miko was turning out to be quite a handful.

 

“What are you trying to do, Kagome-sama? Why are you pushing so hard? What happened with Sesshomaru-sama?!” `Oops, didn't mean to ask that last one. Baka, Takanou.' Takanou lowered his staff.

 

For her part Kagome was frozen, staring at the healer. “I'm sorry, Takanou, I guess I am working rather hard. I just don't like being called helpless!”

 

“Who's calling you helpless? I already have one burn from today, I certainly would not qualify that as helpless.”

 

“I am sorry about that, Takanou. It's not you that I'm mad at. Damn arrogant bastard.”

 

“Ah, Sesshomaru-sama. Did you have another . . . fight?”

 

“Don't worry, Takanou, you don't need to patch me up this time. I just got the wind knocked out of me a couple of times. He didn't follow through on any of his other threats this time.”

 

“Threats?”

 

Kagome grimaced, and then did a pretty good impression of Sesshomaru. “Yield, miko, or die.”

 

“You were fighting with him? Truly fighting?” Takanou was very concerned at this point. “You were not sparing?”

 

“It was supposed to be a demonstration of what I had learned, but it went out of control. No surprise there.” `Like that fool could handle losing even a little practice match.' Kagome realized she had a white knuckle grip on her staff and relaxed, shaking her hands out.

 

“Kagome-sama, what happened? Please tell me, this is very concerning. This is the second time you have had a physical confrontation with Sesshomaru-sama. He could kill you.”

This statement earned Takanou a dark glare. “Gee, I didn't know that Takanou.” Kagome sighed. “I was practicing in the courtyard when that youkai came out and told me that he wanted to see a demonstration. I didn't want to, but he attacked me. He was so fast, I didn't get a chance to do much more than jab him in the foot. Then he called me helpless, again. I lost my temper and burned him.”

 

Takanou gasped, staring at the miko. `It's a wonder she is still alive!'

 

“We were still fighting, I managed to burn him a couple more times, but it was no use, I couldn't stop him. Maybe I should have yielded, but I just couldn't do it! He waited until I was too exhausted to burn him again, till I was just helpless again. Then he snatched me off the ground by my haori and . . . “ Kagome blushed, remembering what happened next.

 

“Kagome-sama, did he hurt you or try to kill you?”

 

“He said he was going to, I truly thought he was going to kill me, but he didn't. He let me go and disappeared.” `No reason to tell Takanou about the other bits.'

 

Takanou was in shock. “You never yielded?” At Kagome's firm head shake the healer sighed. “I am not sure if you are extremely brave or extremely foolish.”

 

Kagome echoed his sigh. “I'm not sure myself. I hate the fact that he could just knock me around like that. I will not be helpless!”

 

“Ah, so that is why you have been using your miko powers now.”

 

“I'm not sure, but I think if I practice with them I'll get stronger. Do you think so?”

 

The healer paused, thinking about her idea. “I think it will, demons will work with their powers to make them stronger, so it should work for a miko as well. It makes me wish that there was someone who could help you train. I do not much care for us working with fire when we do not know how to control it.” Takanou rubbed at his wrist.

 

“I'll be more careful with you, Takanou. I just forgot who I was fighting.” Kagome gave him her most winning smile. “I have complete faith in your ability to train me.”

 

`Oh, Kami.' Takanou was looking into that beautiful, smiling face. `This is definitely playing with fire. And with Sesshomaru-sama's peculiar behavior it is twice as dangerous to befriend this ningen. But I cannot help myself, what a spirit!' “I appreciate your faith in me, Kagome-sama. Shall we try this again, now that you are calmer?”

 

“Hai, sensei!” Kagome was smiling now as she lifted her staff. It was getting easier for her to wrap the staff with her miko powers, making the simple weapon much more dangerous to youkai. “I will try to not brain you this time.”

 

Takanou could not help but smile fiercely at her. “You will have to get close enough first, student. Be on your guard!”

 

*~*~*~*

 

Sesshomaru could not look away from the two practicing in the courtyard. The miko had been practicing day and night since their altercation five days ago. Instead of just enjoying the lessons she now seemed obsessed with improving. Sesshomaru grimaced when he saw Takanou jump back, trying not to be burned. `I do not blame him. Those burns are painful and take considerable time to heal.' His own burns were only now closed and still ached slightly. If that miko learns to control her abilities she may very well turn into a dangerous opponent.

 

The healer had gotten the miko's staff away from her and was working her into a corner. She dived to get her staff, but Takanou intercepted and knocked her down. Kicking her staff away the healer said something to her. The miko smiled and shook her head, taking a swing at him with her hands glowing. `Of course she did not yield, healer.' Sesshomaru could not help but smile. `That one does not know what the word means.' Takanou did manage to pin her in the end, forcing a yield out of her.

 

The youkai watched as the healer pulled his student to her feet, showing her what she should have done differently. Sesshomaru growled deep in his chest when he saw Takanou standing behind the ningen, placing his hands on hers and guiding her through a series of movements. He did not like the sight of another male's hands on her. His lust was now being combined with some admiration for her spirit and a very grudging respect for her strength. She was no threat, he could kill her without a thought, but he could not help remembering her refusal to back down, even if it meant her life. No ningen had dared to look in his eyes and curse him before.

 

Fascinated, Sesshomaru continued to gaze down at the miko.

 

*~*~*~*

 

`Damn arrogant bastard.' Kagome saw Sesshomaru watching through a window, staring at her attempts to practice. “I am not helpless,” she growled, locking eyes with the youkai.

 

Takanou looked at her, then followed her gaze. Sesshomaru-sama was looking at them and did not look pleased. Realizing that his hands were on hers and that his body was quite close to the miko's he stepped away. Kagome glanced back at the healer. “What's wrong, Takanou?”

 

The healer blushed. “I do not believe that my lord approves of my being so close to you.”

 

“What?” Kagome's eyes swung back to the youkai staring down at them. “How exactly does he think you can teach me if you can't touch me?”

 

“I do not question when Sesshomaru-sama is that . . . determined.”

 

Growling, Kagome glared up at the window. “What is his problem? He shoves me away, but then he is down right possessive. He needs to make up his mind!”

 

“Shoves you away?”

 

`Baka, Kagome. Now you get to explain that one.' “Oh, umm, when we were fighting he shoved me away from him.”

 

“Kagome-sama, has Sesshomaru-sama been courting you?”

 

“What?! No, nothing like that!” Kagome's cheeks were the flaming shade of red that Takanou was getting very used to. “Why would you say that?”

 

“It would explain his behavior, his possessiveness and concern over you.”

 

“He threatened to kill me! Does that sound like courting to you?!”

 

“Kagome-sama, please calm down. The courtship between youkai is not like the courtship between humans. Fighting over dominance is often a part of it.”

 

Kagome had no response to that one. Sesshomaru's behavior had been so unpredictable that she could not even hazard a guess as to what he was thinking.

 

*~*~*~*

 

The raised voices in the courtyard were now easy for Sesshomaru to hear.

 

“He threatened to kill me! Does that sound like courting to you?!”

 

`What the hell? What are they talking about? What is that healer discussing with that female?'

 

Without a second thought Sesshomaru was making his way to the courtyard.

 

*~*~*~*

 

Takanou had already noticed that Sesshomaru had disappeared from the window. “Kagome-sama, calm yourself, he is on his way.”

 

“Nani?! Why the hell is he coming out here?”

 

“To see why there is so much yelling in the courtyard.”

 

The healer and the miko both spun around to face Sesshomaru. Takanou went white. “Sesshomaru-sama.”

 

“Healer, explain yourself, what are you discussing with this female.”

Kagome's temper was already up and she was not going to stand by and be called `this female'. “Hey, it's Kagome!”

 

“My lord, I had been telling her your instructions on how I was to teach her and she was asking . . . questions. I was trying to explain . . . or maybe understand . . .”

 

“This Sesshomaru's behavior towards the ningen is of no concern to you. It is not something you have any business discussing.”

 

“Hai, my lord.” Takanou was bowing very low, hoping to avoid another beating.

 

“Then I would like to discuss your behavior towards me!” Kagome marched in front of the youkai lord. “It is my business after all.”

 

“This Sesshomaru has nothing to discuss with you, miko.”

 

“Not good enough, what is going on? Why can't Takanou touch me? He is just trying to teach me!”

 

“He is not to touch you. This Sesshomaru is allowing him to spar with you, no more.”

 

“But you can knock me around as you see fit?” She didn't even see his hands move, he was simply holding her haori with her feet barely touching the ground.

 

“I will do as I please,” he growled.

 

“I am not yours. I am not a weapon or a pet. I have had enough of being used for one lifetime.” She grabbed his wrists. “Let me go.”

 

Sesshomaru hesitated. He really did not want to be burned again, but he did not want to turn her lose either. “Are you threatening me, ningen?”

 

“No. I am protecting myself, like anyone would. What would you expect?”

 

The youkai's voice dropped to a whisper that Kagome could barely hear. “I would expect no less from you.” He slowly set her down. “This Sesshomaru will discuss your role here with you later.”

 

After giving Takanou a last angry glare Sesshomaru walked back out of the courtyard.

 

“Okay, Takanou, explain that behavior, if you can. I certainly haven't got this figured out.” Kagome was staring at the door Sesshomaru had disappeared through.

 

“I am not to discuss such things,” Takanou started, then dropped his voice to a whisper. “But I believe I was right.” Without another word the healer turned and left the courtyard.

 

 

 

Kagome was left alone in the courtyard. “Huh?!”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Kumo, I'm going for a long soak.”

 

Kumo moved to the closet, “I'll gather your things, Kagome-sama.”

 

“Don't worry about it, Kumo, I'm going to go on my own. I need to think.” Kagome moved to take her bath supplies. “Just keep an ear out for Rin. Is she wanders out of bed again just herd her back. I swear that child has so much energy she can't even stay in bed while she is sleeping!”

 

“Hai, my lady.”

 

Kagome wandered through the halls of the palace, enjoying the peace and quiet that came with the late hour. Everyone, including most of the servants were in bed and sound asleep. `It's kind of creepy, with everything this quiet. It's usually pretty busy. It will be a great situation to think in, though. No disturbances.' Kagome pushed her way into the hot springs. `A long soak is always the best way to unwind and the end of yet another confusing day. Damn him, what's the big idea hauling me around like . . . `

 

“Miko.”

 

`What the hell is he doing up?' Kagome's eyes swept the room, finally finding Sesshomaru sitting in the hot spring with a bored expression on his face. He cocked one eyebrow at her. “You are staring.”

 

“Oh, Kami!” Kagome spun around, facing back towards the door. “I didn't think anyone was up, I'm sorry. I'm going back to bed.”

 

“Wait. This Sesshomaru did say he would discuss your role with you.”

 

`Has he lost it?' “Uh, Sesshomaru-sama? You are Naked! I'm not discussing anything with you like that!”

 

A faint chuckle drifted over from the spring. Kagome could hear water splashing as Sesshomaru got out of the spring and moved across the room. “It is safe now.”

 

A quick glance confirmed her worse fears. Safe meant that he had wrapped a towel around his waist, no more. `Not safe, not by a long shot.' Kagome continued to stare at the door. “What would you say to me, Sesshomaru-sama?”

 

“You wished to know what your role is.”

 

Kagome jumped a little, not aware that he had come up so close behind her. “Hai.”

 

“You are a companion for Rin. She had need of someone of her own kind to stay with her.”

 

“And what am I supposed to do around you?” she whispered. “What do you want from me? You alternate between slamming me into walls and . . . and . . .”

 

Hands landed on her shoulders, but they were soft as feathers. “This Sesshomaru is not . . . certain on your role. He would not do anything to an unwilling female, but in the face of such defiance instincts are harder to control.”

 

“Instincts?”

 

“This Sesshomaru cannot just ignore a female that defies and challenges him.”

 

“Kagome.”

 

Sesshomaru sighed. Kagome was close enough to him that she could feel his chest rise and fall. The thought of him so close to her, and wearing only a towel, made goosebumps appear all over her body.

 

“This Sesshomaru would not expect you to understand, Kagome. The healer has told you that this Sesshomaru is courting you?”

 

`At least in the hot air my blush won't be as obvious.' “He was, uncertain, my lord.”

 

“Are you unwilling?”

 

Kagome gasped. `What exactly is he asking? Is he asking if he can . . . court me?'

 

Sesshomaru continued on while she thought furiously. “You did not seem, unwilling, when we fought last.”

 

`He's got me on that one, I was most willing to kiss him. Why? No clue, I don't love him, I don't like him! He's an arrogant ass!'

 

“I do not love you.”

 

“That is expected, but not the question that we are talking about.”

 

`Huh? Did I miss a step in this conversation? Why does he want to court someone he does not love?'

 

“Are you truly an innocent in these matters?”

 

`I want to melt into the floor right now!' Kagome's face was on fire and she clapped her hands against it. `Why is he asking that?'

 

“This Sesshomaru will take that as a yes.” Another sigh escaped the youkai, making Kagome shiver. “You are confused.”

 

“Understatement, my lord.”

 

“This is not about love. This is about the physical.”

 

`Physical? Oh . . .' The hands on her shoulders were moving slowly, making small circles against her skin. Kagome leaned back into the pressure, enjoying the touch.

 

“Are you unwilling, Kagome?”

 

`He is so stubborn!'

 

“I am, uncertain.” She meant to stop there, but her mouth betrayed her. “I am willing, but . . .” She never got to finish her statement as the youkai moved his mouth to her neck, working from her shoulder up to her jawline.

 

“This Sesshomaru is patient,” he whispered into her ear. He could feel her shiver at his touch and felt the heat rise in his own body. He trailed his hands over her robe, feeling her curves. “You wished to bathe.”

 

Kagome gasped when he moved away, her back feeling cold. A glance back showed the youkai gathering his clothing and preparing to dress. She snapped her eyes back to the door, already feeling dizzy. Again the chuckle drifted to her ears. “What's so funny?”

 

“You have never seen a male before?”

 

`He just loves to see me blush.' “Not in person, no. I am no hentaia, staring at men”

 

“Another time, then.”

 

Sesshomaru went out of the hot springs, leaving Kagome alone with her thoughts.