InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Peace Treaty ❯ A Small Setback ( Chapter 12 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Sesshoumaru walked to the training arena where Kagome had already gone to warm up. He agreed to watch her that morning and was meeting Kouga there. She seemed disappointed when he told her he had no intention of sparring with her himself, but he had his honor to maintain. As he had stated earlier, it is contemptible to hurt one's mate and there was no chance she'd be able to keep up with him. Upon entering, he saw a crowd of soldiers already beginning to form. Apparently the novelty of watching a Ningen woman, who also happened to be a miko and their lord's mate, fight one of their best warriors was too tempting to pass on.

Kouga looked less than pleased with the situation. Not only was he meant to fight Lady Kagome again, now they'd have an audience. The only way it could worsen, he thought, would be if Ayame joined them. Sesshoumaru approached him. “You look like you're on your way to the gallows.”

“Answer me this then, my Lord. Which is better, to hit her, or be hit by her? I don't even know how hard I should try. If I harm her, you'll kill me; if she beats me, in front of the troops, I'll kill myself.”

Sesshoumaru neglected a response. He saw her. These must be the forms to which she was referring, he thought. Her movements were obviously choreographed, as she was complete conscious deliberation. The form was composed of what appeared to be offensive and defensive motions, a combination of kicks, blocks, elbow strikes, sweeps, flips, all performed with a fluid rhythm. Her pace was agonizingly slow, showcasing the total control she had over her body's balance and flexibility. Her intricate gestures and poses were achingly graceful. She finished, then repeated, but much faster. Sesshoumaru saw how the motions would look in an actual battle, and he reminded himself it mattered naught until she had a living opponent. She finished again, breathed deeply, then, with a joyous expression, did two back handsprings.

Kagome jogged to Sesshoumaru and Kouga, feeling limber and excited. “Thank you for coming Sessshoumaru. I hope I don't disappoint you.”

“We shall see.”

Talkative as usual. “Are you ready Kouga?”

“Well…truthfully…”

“Good! Do you mind if we spar using empty-hand technique? I was just warming up in that style.”

Empty-hand? Kouga decided it just got much worse. He'd have to punch and grapple with her. He'd have to put his hands on her. Sesshoumaru really was going to kill him.

They both went to the middle of the floor, bowing first to Sesshoumaru, then to each other. Kagome lightly bent her knees and raised her arms, loose and relaxed. “Come on, Kouga, dance with me.” He knew he was expected to be aggressive and attack first, so he came at her fast, with a high kick, high punch combination, which she easily swerved and ducked to avoid. She then feinted a counter-attack of a knee-strike. Kouga lifted a knee to counter her strike, making his balance vulnerable. She went low with a sweep, knocking him flat on his ass. Gods be damned, he thought, this is going to be a long day.

Sesshoumaru was shocked at her degree of proficiency. Based on what Kouga had said yesterday, he was ready to see a certain amount of ability, but he was unprepared for her calm, her intelligent mastery. She was fast, but her speed was never wasted. Her style was soft, emphasizing yielding and subtly redirecting force in lieu of blocking. The dodges and evasive moves used Kouga's weight and strength against him, keeping him off-balance, letting her close in and strike a weak spot. He managed a few glancing blows that did little damage, though Sesshoumaru could tell he wasn't pulling punches. Kagome was faring better. After the third elbow to a floating rib, Kouga doubled over, just as her knee came up. There was a sickening sounding snap and Kouga was rewarded with his second bloody nose in two days. Kagome stopped instantly, as did the taunting cheers and catcalls that had been accompanying the fight. “Not again! I'm so sorry. Let me see. Ooo…we'd better get up to the infirmary.”

A short while later, Sesshoumaru and Gina looked on as Kagome examined Kouga's broken nose. She made sure his vision was normal and his neck was uninjured. “I'm afraid there's a mild fracture. The good news is it doesn't seem crooked, though it's difficult to tell with all the swelling. You'll probably have two black eyes by the end of the day. Kouga I'm so very sorry. I feel awful.”

Kouga attempted a smile. “I've had worse.”

“Let me see your ribs. Stand up, off with the shirt.” She tenderly prodded and instructed him to breathe deeply. “Your ribs are just bruised, though I'm sure it's painful enough. I'll make a comfrey root poultice for your nose. And probably a strong tea of the same herb's leaves. It will help heal your ribs. You'll have to sleep as upright as possible or your face might swell so much as to make breathing difficult. And if you feel feverish have someone get me. Kouga, I hope you know how sorry I am.”

“Just my foolish way to be half-naked with you again.”

“Well I guess the essence of poppy is taking effect for you to make a comment like that about your Lord's mate in his presence.”

“Yeah, heh heh, well he owes me. Just don't tell Ayame.”

“Kouga, Ayame already knows about your tendency to put your foot in your mouth,” Sesshoumaru said patiently. “I'll walk you down to your quarters. Put your clothes back on.” He watched as Kagome helped with the shirt, but all he could think about was that she called herself his mate.

Gina noticed the affection on Sesshoumaru's face while he observed Kagome. “Kouga I'll take you down. I haven't seen Ayame and that pup in days. I'll have someone bring the poultice when it's ready.”

Kagome washed up a little and got to work on peeling and coarsely chopping comfrey while water heated to boil.

“So miko,” Sesshoumaru said, “you have healing skills as well as being a formidable fighter.” She blushed a little and smiled. “I've not seen a style quite like yours.”

“Training is highly individualized for miko. Because of my size, speed and careful analysis are more of a focus rather than force. Basically I try to keep my distance paying attention to my opponent's weaknesses, until given an opening, then I get near and target vulnerable spots—necks, noses, groins, kidneys. Larger, stronger women were trained in more traditional attack styles.”

“If miko have powers, why the need to fight so well?”

“In large part because our energy can become depleted, and while we do have crystals which store it, dependence on them is dangerous. Also there are often situations where it is impossible to use energy as a weapon. Hostages, when there is a group of innocents around, anytime large-scale destruction is undesirable.”

“And in what other weapons are you trained beside sword?”

“Staff, knife, spear, bow. I sense grudging admiration.” Kagome's voice sounded pleased. “Does this mean I can continue?”

“Perhaps,” he replied noncommittally. “I imagine the others are already lining up to have a crack at you. I'm just not sure how the dynamics of my troops sparring with you will work. There is simply no precedent for this in Youkai society.”

“I can't say it's a common occurrence in Ningen society either. You know, you could just spar with me yourself.”

“No. I've told before. I don't want to risk hurting you.”

She put the herb in the water. “I'd like to check on the young fox in the other room.”

They went over to the beds, but Sesshoumaru hung back and watched.

“Hello, Shippou. How are you feeling today?”

“Lady Kagome! You came back to see me.”

“Of course. I said I would. Let's take a peek at your arm.” She unwrapped the bandages. “It looks much better. The blisters are shrinking and the red area is smaller. Wiggle your fingers and bend your elbow. Does it feel okay?” A nod. She smiled. “Soon you'll be good as new.”

Shippou looked up at her with innocent eyes. “Will you come visit me tomorrow?”

“I think I can do that. Maybe I'll even come back this evening and tell you a story.”

“My mama used to tell me stories, but they were about scary Ningen eating naughty Youkai children. I bet your stories are different.”

“Very different.” Kagome leaned in close. “And I've never eaten a Youkai, child or grown up,” she whispered. “I've got to go check on something. See you later, Shippou.”

As they walked back into the herbarium, Sesshoumaru put a hand at the small of her back. She moved closer, and the hand curled around her waist. Kagome removed the herbs and pressed a little water out. “I should let these cool a bit.”

“You'll be a good mother.”

She looked up at him. Despite the general air of detachment that usually surrounded him, his amber eyes held great emotion. She blushed again. “Do you think so?”

He laid a palm to the side of her face, fingers stroking her temple gently. “I do.”

Gina walked in. “Pay no attention to me,” she said, but the spell was broken.

“How's Kouga?” Kagome asked.

“He'll survive. Good thing Ayame thinks he's cute when he's loopy; his face really does look a fright. Is the poultice ready? It should be applied as quickly as possible.”

“I'm nearly done.” Kagome finished by grating the root onto a square of cloth and tying it off. She rolled up her sleeves and washed her hands.

“That's a nasty scar on your arm,” Gina said. “How did you acquire it?”

“Sword play.”

“Is that how you got the one on your hip?” Sesshoumaru asked, regretting the query instantly.

Kagome stopped, thoughtful. Realization was painful blow. First she looked stricken. “You watched me?” Then her face grew cold with anger. “YOU WATCHED ME!” She pushed past and stormed out.

“Oh Sessh, what did you do?”

He closed his eyes, wishing his abilities included reversal of time. “I…spied on her last night.”

Gina knew what last night was. “Sesshoumaru,” she scolded, “you bad dog. Doing such a thing, then blabbing about it? Did you learn nothing when we were young?”

He made to go after her, but Gina stopped him. “You'll want to give her some time to cool down. Then be prepared to grovel.”

“I don't grovel.”

“You do now.”

XXXXX

Lady Seiobo had been back at the manor over an hour when she finally found Sesshoumaru strolling across the courtyard. “Darling, I'm so happy to see you. Your rooms were vacant, and I so wanted to check on you and your mate. Where is she?”

“I was hoping to ask you the same. How was your return journey?”

“Uneventful, fortunately. How are you and Lady Kagome getting on?” Seiobo couldn't hide her curiosity.

“Don't ask.”

“Oh…” She was despondent. She had been up to the infirmary and was happy to hear that Gina was fond of Kagome, but when asked about Kagome and Sesshoumaru, her niece avoided a direct response, which was very unlike her.

General Inutaisho approached them. “Son, I just saw Lady Kagome at the archery field. She has a wicked deadly aim. It's as if the target has personally aggrieved her, and she's hell-bent on its obliteration. I'd hate to tangle with that one when she's angry.”

Perhaps, Sesshoumaru thought, I'll avoid her a while longer. “Yes, she's got…a bit of a temper.”

“And I heard she sparred with Garou this morning and took him down?”

“She what?” Seiobo did not like it when things at the manor were beyond her control.

“I watched. She's an incredible fighter,” Sesshoumaru admitted.

“Well, normally I wouldn't condone it, but she has been trained and can't really do any major damage with those beads on. They are still on, aren't they?”

“She still wears them.”

“Lord Sato said she's yet unmarked, and I could tell just now by her scent, that you've been sharing sleeping quarters, but nothing else. Son, you are aware of what rides on this, are you not?”

Sesshoumaru's irritation was apparent. “I am cognizant of the situation, and I have no intention of discussing it.” He looked Seiobo. “With anyone,” he added.

Seiobo smiled sweetly; she was never thwarted for long. “I've already spoken with Gina about dining together this evening. Perhaps in my quarters? I believe it is the most comfortable and intimate. I'll see you both after sundown. I need to check in with the seneschal.”

As Sesshoumaru and his father walked back toward the manor, Sesshoumaru sighed and asked, “Why not find me a simple, manageable female?”

The Gerenal chuckled. “Why on Earth would you want one of those?”

XXXXX

Kagome returned from the baths and until dinner ignored Sesshoumaru as obviously as possible. As they walked to his parents' section of the manor, Sesshoumaru apologized again. Kagome was angry with him, both for what he did and for squashing the feelings she had been rapidly developing for him.

“I told you I don't want to hear it!”

“You're going to have to hear me. It will be an unpleasant meal if you persist in acting like a child.”

“A child!” she asked with disbelief. “Do you mean childish behavior such as ignoring someone's wish for privacy? Or maybe peeping at someone who clearly thought she was alone? Do you snoop at the bathhouse as well?”

“Miko, that's enough. I have said I'm sorry more times this afternoon than I ever have in my life. If you choose not to forgive me that's your problem, but don't ruin dinner for everyone else.”

“If dinner is ruined, the fault could hardly be mine. I'm not the one who—” They entered Seiobo's dining room. Conversation stopped and all eyes were on them. Kagome made up her mind that she would not be the cause of a miserable meal. “Good evening everyone. Lady Seiobo, Lord General. I'm so happy you've returned safely. Lady Gina.” Her smile was dazzling as she took Sesshoumaru's arm. “Dear husband, let us sit down.”

Sesshoumaru frowned down at her. What was she up to? Two could play at this farce. He pulled out her chair. “Allow me, sweetling.”

General Inutaisho was pleased his son and new mate were getting along so well. Seiobo and Gina knew differently and looked sidelong at each other with concern.

“May I fill your tea cup, my pet?”

“Certainly, dear little lychee.”

“Lady Kagome, I've been told you're a talented fighter,” General Inutaisho began. “I would enjoy watching you spar some time. There was a miko long before your time against whom I battled. She was so fast, it was said she had no shadow when fighting. I have never in all my life seen a sword wielded so ably. Sometimes I wonder how I came out of that alive. Her name was Midori.”

“Actually I knew her,” Kagome said. “She only died last year. She was one hundred three.”

“Truly? I didn't know Ningen lived that long.”

“Not often. She was exceptional in many ways. She taught me how to meditate. I had some difficulty emptying my mind when I first arrived at the Shrine, and she tutored me on concentration.”

“Concentration problems, darling? That's so surprising, sunshine dear, given your…obstinate nature.”

“I hardly see what one has to do with the other, poppet,” Kagome replied frigidly.

Lady Seiobo searched for a change of topic. “So…Lady Kagome, did you manage to get your altar built in time? I know yesterday was the full moon.”

Kagome and Sesshoumaru stared at each other, barely concealing their ill will. Gina knew that was the wrong direction for the conversation to turn. “Lady Kagome has been assisting me in the infirmary. She is quite skilled.”

“How wonderful!” the General enthused to Kagome. “Gina can tell you all sorts of stories about when Sesshoumaru was a little tyke.”

Kagome beamed at her father-in-law like a partner-in-crime. Sesshoumaru cracked his tea cup. “Father, I doubt Lady Kagome has any interest in such trivialities. Do you, dear heart?” He began lightly stroking the inside of her wrist with a claw.

His caresses felt threatening, yet seductive. She quickly and somewhat reluctantly pulled her hand away. “Nonsense, puppykins. I would be a most receptive audience for any recollection Gina would like to impart.”

Sesshoumaru glared at Gina, who was not happy to be brought into the middle of whatever was occurring. “Oh thank heavens,” Gina exclaimed, “dinner is served.”

Servants brought in plate after plate of a magnificent welcome-home feast. Kagome was overwhelmed; it had been years since she'd seen that magnitude of sumptuousness.

“Sesshoumaru, booboo, please hand me the condiment tray.”

“Is the food cut small enough for you, my sweet pink sakura blossom?”

By now even cheerfully unaware General Inutaisho could no longer ignore what was happening. He didn't know his son's mouth was capable of forming such saccharine expressions. He looked at his mate, who in turn closed her eyes and shook her head slowly.

They ate primarily in silence, owing much to the quality of the food. After the table had been cleared, Kagome reached over to Sesshoumaru's face and wiped an invisible speck off his upper lip with her napkin. “You're a little messy, fluffy wuffy.”

Sesshoumaru was positive there'd been nothing on his face. “Thank you, honey bee.” He lifted her hand to his mouth. He kissed her palm, then slowly nibbled the fleshy base of her thumb.

Kagome flushed hotly, but quickly recovered. “My pleasure, squishy,” she said, pinching his cheek.

“You two are going to make me physically ill,” Gina stated, getting up. Normally such a perverse display would delight her. But the fact that this was her sword-up-the-ass cousin allowing himself to be coddled, especially knowing he'd probably rather throw Kagome on the table and fuck her brains out, made the whole thing seem depraved. “Aunt, uncle, good night and thank you for the…interesting dinner. I've several Youkai to look in on before bed. Sesshoumaru, Kagome, it's been…disturbing.”

“Gina, I told Shippou I would tell him a story tonight. I'll come with you. Thank you for the lovely meal Lord General, Lady Seiobo.” She turned to Sesshoumaru. “Don't wait up, my precious.”

He, hoping they would continue their little game in the bedroom, was disappointed she left.