InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Nothing Left to Lose ❯ Choices Made, Lessons Learned ( Chapter 10 )

A/N: Thank you for the review, Ayame! I'm sorry I can't get your whole name, the computer seems to have temporarily eaten my reviews. Groan. I'm starting to add a sense of humor to Sesshy, hope it's not too OOC. I'm thinking that he has a very dry sense of humor once he's unbent enough to show it. Anyways, it occurred to me tonight, that I do own something! Kumo and Takanou are mine! Not that I want Takanou, that weenie, but they are still mine. The rest, however, belong to the genius that created them.

 

 

`A note? From Takanou?'

 

Kagome-sama,

I know that Sesshomaru is watching your every move, so I will be brief. I am terrified of what will become of you if you stay here. He will not be content until he has crushed your spirit and destroyed your defenses. He cannot let anyone be defiant and threaten his dominance. I can help you to escape. Do not think that you have no choice, I can return you to your friends. I feel for you as I have not felt for anyone in a long time. If you wish for my assistance come to the gardens tomorrow night after he is asleep.

 

Your Servant,

Takanou

 

`What?!' Kagome's mouth was hanging open. `He is so concerned about me that he wants to get me away from here? What does he know? What is going to happen to me?'

 

Terrifying images of abuse and imprisonment were playing out behind her eyes. `Is that his true intentions? It that all he wants, to break me? Am I a prisoner? Is this still a sick game to hurt me?'

 

Kagome was up and pacing around the room. `There is so much about this courting thing that I don't understand! Was I wrong today, is he simply looking to crush me? How many times has he tried to kill me in the past?'

 

Claustrophobia gripped Kagome. `No! I won't let him! I have to get out!' Rushing to her closet she started to pull her belongings from the shelves. `Where is my uniform? Uhg, all the way up there?' Climbing up the shelves, Kagome strained to reach the neatly folded clothes that were just barely out of her reach.

 

The cracking sound made her freeze. `Uh oh.' Kagome shrieked as the shelves collapsed, spilling her and most of her belongings onto the floor. `Oh, my head.'

 

“Miko.”

 

Kagome whipped around to see Sesshomaru standing over her. His usually immaculate hair was mussed and he was not wearing a shirt. What he was wearing was a very annoyed look.

 

“What's the big idea, coming in here without knocking?”

 

One eyebrow went up. “This Sesshomaru was asleep, then he heard a crash and your screaming.”

 

“Oh, sorry.” Kagome was surprised that she felt bad for waking the youkai.

 

“What are you doing.”

 

`I probably look pretty guilty right now. What will I tell him? The truth? It's so crazy it just might work.'

 

“Can I send a message to one of my friends?”

 

Blink. “This is because you wish to send a message?”

 

“Well, yes . . .”

 

“In the morning you can send whatever message you wish. Is that all?”

 

“Yes. Well, no. Kind of . . .”

 

“It is late.” Even Kagome could see the annoyance on Sesshomaru's face as he glared down at her.

 

“Am I your prisoner? Can I leave?”

 

Blink. Sesshomaru had not been expecting this line of questioning. “You may leave if you wish. Do you believe you are a prisoner?”

 

Kagome sighed. “I didn't know. I was unconscious when I came here, remember?”

 

“You cannot be comfortable on the floor.”

 

The wreckage of her closet was still tangled around Kagome's legs. She worked her way loose and stood up. There was an awkward silence as Kagome shoved her belongings back into her closet and shut the door. Sesshomaru was the first to speak again.

 

“Were you going to run?”

 

“Yes.” The reply was such a soft whisper that the youkai could hardly hear it.

 

“Why? Has this Sesshomaru made you believe that you were a prisoner?”

 

“No, I just assumed that I was.”

 

Sesshomaru moved to the bed and sat down. “Miko, if you were a prisoner you would know it.”

 

“Hey, the name is Kagome.” The miko marched right up to him, hands on her hips.

 

“This Sesshomaru is not awake enough to recall the miko's name.”

 

All Kagome could do was stare. “Was that a joke? Did you just tell a joke?”

 

Amber eyes met hers. “This Sesshomaru does not have a sense of humor. That is well known.”

 

“Oh, no, you are definitely making fun of me. When did you get a sense of humor?”

 

“The sense of humor is unchanged, you are just finally aware of it, miko.”

 

“Youkai.”

 

“Wench.”

 

“Bastard.”

 

Kagome was smiling, looking into those gorgeous eyes. Carefully, she reached up and brushed his hair away from his eyes Sesshomaru caught her hand, holding it still. His other arm moved around her waist, growling. “Defiant.” He pulled her against his chest.

 

The miko growled back. “Arrogant.” His lips looked so soft. She wanted to feel them again. Hesitantly, she lowered her head, brushing her lips against his. Like she had sprung a trap Sesshomaru seized her mouth, pushing her mouth open to run his tongue along the interior.

 

Kagome moaned, pressing her body harder against his. The youkai's hands were moving up and down her back, feeling her through the thin fabric of her robe. He could feel her hands against his bare skin, tracing imaginary patterns as he kissed her.

 

Sesshomaru's mouth was moving down her neck, leaving a trail of hot breath and kisses. One arm held her upright while the other moved to run his fingers over her breast. Kagome jumped at the new sensation. `This is so intense!' The skilled fingers were causing her to moan again and grind against the youkai. Her head spun as she was lifted onto the bed with Sesshomaru over her.

 

Kagome's robe was gently pulled open to reveal her perfect breasts. Sesshomaru savored the sight before lowering his mouth to lick at one hardened nipple. She shook beneath him, arching her back and gasping when he pulled the nipple into his mouth. He was hard now, ready to take her. He could smell her arousal, feel her body pressing against his.

 

The youkai's hands were sliding down her body, moving to her thighs. Kagome gasped as she realized where those hands were going. Uncertainty gripped her. `Already?'

 

`Baka, you move too quickly.' Sesshomaru forced his hands back up her body, unable to ignore the sharp spike of fear he had sensed. Returning his mouth to Kagome's lips he kissed her again, erasing the fear and recalling the arousal. “Kagome, we must stop now, or it may become impossible.” He brought his forehead to rest on hers, closing his eyes and forcing his body to obey.

 

“Hai, Sesshomaru.” Kagome was panting, her body felt hot and tight. She did not want him to stop, but she understood. She was still nervous and he could tell. Her hand trailed up to the side of his face, touching one of his stripes with a gentle finger. The youkai turned his head and kissed her hand.

 

“You need to sleep.”

 

“And having you here does not lead to sleep.”

 

“No, it will not. This Sesshomaru will return to his room.” Sesshomaru climbed to his feet, admiring the lovely picture she made in the moonlight.

 

“Good night, Sesshomaru. And thank you. For everything.”

 

The great youkai nodded, then returned to his own room.

 

`Takanou, I think you may be wrong.' Kagome drifted to sleep, feeling safer than she had in a long time.

 

*~*~*~*

 

It was difficult for Takanou to face the miko the next morning at practice. Sesshomaru had again taken Rin away, leaving the instructor alone with his student. The miko was acting as though nothing had happened. `Did she even find the note? Did Sesshomaru intercept it? Of course not, if he had I would already be dead.'

 

Kagome smiled at her instructor, waiting for him to make the first attack. She had already dispatched a message to Kaedae and was feeling much better. Takanou may be worried, but Kagome was certain that she was not in danger from Sesshomaru. “Takanou, are you worried that I will try to brain you again? You seem hesitant to attack.”

 

The healer shook himself slightly. “I was thinking too hard, Kagome-sama. I will need to concentrate or you will have an advantage over me. I do not need anymore burns.”

 

The healer was still not focusing on the fight and quickly found himself disarmed. “Instructor, I do not think you are paying attention.”

 

“Student, you should practice on your own. I have things that I need to attend to.” Takanou set off across the courtyard, leaving his student perplexed and rather disappointed in the courtyard.

 

`How am I going to learn to stand up to Sesshomaru without help?'

 

“Where has Takanou gone?” Sesshomaru looked up from watching Rin running through her drills. The miko was standing alone, looking a little lost.

 

“He had other matters that needed his attention, my lord.” Kagome could not keep her disappointment out of her voice.

 

“After this Sesshomaru has observed Rin he will assist you.”

 

`Gulp. Not what I wanted. Not at all. Takanou, how could you ditch me like this?' Kagome nervously spun her staff, trying to concentrate enough to practice on her own. `I do not want to face him again, not yet! I'm not ready, and I do not want to be snatched around again. Knock it off, Kagome, get a grip! Practice, then, and think of a strategy! Surprise the damn arrogant bastard. I may need to get a new nickname for him, that is quite a long one. No! Focus! Go through your warm up again.'

 

The warm up helped Kagome to refocus. Working her way through some of the drills she had learned also helped her to strategize. `Okay, he's bigger, faster, stronger, and a youkai. So what? I can do stuff he can't. I can . . . scream really loud! Oh, Kami. No, I'm a miko, he's a youkai, I can do this. I just need a plan.'

 

Sesshomaru could see the aura forming around the miko as she worked, bringing her powers into her practice. The edges were snapping with energy as she concentrated on her drills. `This could be painful. She does not look like she is going to pull the blows much.' Rin was done with her drills and was now facing the youkai, practice blade at the ready. She seemed a little hesitant to strike at her Sesshomaru, but she was eager to finally practice with somebody.

 

“Rin. Do not simply swing and hack. Think about what you have learned. We will be going at half speed so you can see how you should respond.” Sesshomaru raised his own practice blade, squaring off with his ward. “Begin.”

 

Fortunately for Sesshomaru, Rin had listened to every word he had said. She did not scream and charge, but instead moved forward and engaged him carefully. She did not hack at him, but looked for openings and ways to get through his defenses. Her careful movements were a great contrast to her out of control performance with Takanou. The youkai found it enjoyable to teach his ward something that he enjoyed as well. She may be just a human, but the demon slayers such as Sango were just human as well. Careful, thorough training could make his ward into a fighter that could defend herself even when faced with a youkai. The lord could feel pride as Rin saw the opening he had left for her and closed with him, sliding through his defenses for a kill.

 

“Correct. Again.”

 

Rin glowed under his praise. She backed up to repeat the exercise, again with as much care as a young girl could manage. Wise beyond her years, she knew that Sesshomaru had left that opening for her to find. That did nothing to lessen her pride at having found it.

 

After sparring with Rin for several more bouts Sesshomaru dismissed her, instructing her to go for a walk in the gardens so she would not become stiff. After his ward had disappeared he faced the miko. Kagome noticed his gaze and straightened, letting her powers fade. `Oh, Kami, lets try to keep this civil.' “Sesshomaru-sama.”

 

“This Sesshomaru has been watching your practices. You have been practicing with your miko powers.”

 

`Was that a question? Didn't sound like one, but they usually don't. Better answer, just in case.' “Hai, my lord.”

 

“This Sesshomaru will be very interested to see what you have learned.” Still carrying the wooden practice blade he faced her, bringing the blade up to a guard position.

 

`Do Not Panic! Concentrate, girl, what can you use against him?' Kagome squared off with the youkai, her aura snapping. “I will be more than happy to show you what I've learned, my lord.”

 

The quiet challenge in her voice caused Sesshomaru to growl. He moved towards the miko, carefully circling her. He did not want to be burned. This time he had a weapon of his own, though, so he was hopeful that he could end this without a burn. A quick lunge, snapping his sword down with the plan to disarm her.

 

The sword stopped cold, blocked by the barrier that Kagome had thrown up around herself.

 

`How the hell? I don't know how I'm doing it, but I'm not going to ask any questions!' Kagome lunged at the youkai, forcing him back. She could move through the barrier, but it blocked the youkai.

 

`How the hell? When did she learn this trick?' Sesshomaru scrambled back. `She will not be able to hold that for long, but in the mean time she has the advantage. The best plan is to wear her down.'

 

Kagome moved after him, trying to get close enough to land a blow. She could feel herself tiring already. She knew that the youkai was waiting for her to exhaust herself. `All right then, I'll play along.' Kagome sagged against her staff and let the barrier fall. `Here, puppy, puppy. Come and get the nice bait.'

 

`The barrier must have drawn considerable power from her, she is already weakening. I can try to disarm her now.' Sesshomaru moved back in to close again, trying to make sure he did not accidentally hurt her. But Kagome had her own ideas. As he closed her aura flared. Her staff lashed out, intercepting him and knocking him to his back. Kagome stood over him, staff at the ready. “Do you yield?”

 

“You know that this Sesshomaru will not yield.” A loud growl was coming from the inu-youkai, who was still armed. He swung his blade, eyes glazing over with red, knocking her staff away from him and leaping to his feet. Before the miko could recover he was closing with her, trying to get that staff away. A sharp blow to the staff temporarily numbed her hands, allowing him to knock her weapon away. Kagome glared, hands glowing. “You know that I won't yield either.”

 

`Defiant wench.' The growl was still rumbling in his chest as he circled with the miko again. Using his speed he went behind her, using his blade to knock her down without touching her. Kagome had expected this and twisted as she fell, looking to grab onto the youkai. Sesshomaru flinched back as her hands brushed his clothes. Now the miko was on the ground, but Sesshomaru did not want to get any closer. He could not force a yield from her until she was too tired to use her powers anymore.

 

`This is ridiculous, why can't we just spar? Why does it have to turn into this?'

 

“Sesshomaru-sama, we are just sparing, right?”

 

The youkai's eyes slowly lightened to amber. “Hai, miko. Sparing only.”

 

“Then why don't we just stop now? You can show me where I made my mistakes and you can ask me the questions I saw in your eyes earlier.” It was a long shot, but it was worth a try. She did not feel like burning him or getting knocked around.

 

Slowly Sesshomaru lowered his blade. “This Sesshomaru will teach you.” He stretched a hand out to the miko, pulling her to her feet. “It is difficult to spar with a female such as yourself. The drive to dominate can become, powerful.”

 

`Huh, that sounded almost apologetic. I suppose this means I have to play nice.' “It's hard for me, too. I know that you are faster and stronger, I don't like going into a fight I know I will lose. It makes me do some pretty drastic things.”

 

“The burns. They do take a long time to heal.”

 

Kagome winced. “I didn't now that. Sorry. I'll be more careful. I guess we shouldn't practice together right now. We just make it worse for each other.”

 

“This Sesshomaru can control his actions.” The youkai gestured for Kagome to sit beside him on a bench. “These are the errors that you made, and how to fix them for your next attempt.”

 

`No, Takanou was wrong. He will not hurt me. He does not love me, but he will not hurt me. I need to tell Takanou that it is fine, to stop worrying. I don't want him to be waiting up all night in the garden for me. I don't want to leave right now, I feel like I have a lot that I can learn here.'

 

“Miko. Kagome, stand so this Sesshomaru can show you how to avoid having your staff knocked away as he did in this practice.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

Rin watched from the courtyard entrance as her Sesshomaru-sama showed her Kagome-chan how she should respond to his attempts to disarm her. A smile spread over her face as she saw Sesshomaru carefully working through the movements, watching the miko closely. `He likes her! He really likes her! Does that mean she will stay? Will she be his new lady? Rin hopes so.'