InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Peace Treaty ❯ The Tournament Part Two ( Chapter 32 )

Kagome laid her forehead on the hard floor of the platform and tried to concentrate on breathing through the pain and numbness that radiated from her maimed shoulder and spreaded down her arm and up her neck. Sesshoumaru was at her side in an instant, followed by Gina a moment later.

 

“Kagome,” he said shaking his head with regret, “I should never have permitted this.” He gently pulled her upright.

 

“I'm fine,” she winced.

 

“Fine! Fine?” Gina railed. “You, darling, are anything but fine. Your shoulder looks dislocated. Sesshoumaru, help me get her to the infirmary.”

 

“No!” Kagome quickly protested. “Just take me to a seat and pop it back in. I don't need to go to the infirmary.”

 

“Don't be daft,” she scoffed. “You should be comfortable in bed and floating on a poppy high before we do this.”

 

Sesshoumaru couldn't stand the obvious pain his mate was suffering. “Kagome, Gina's right—”

 

“It'll be okay,” she said in clipped tones. “This has happened twice before. I won't be comfortable until it's back in its socket. Just do it quick.” She tried to get up, but gasped sharply when she shifted her weight. Sesshoumaru gingerly helped her to stand, then picked her up and carried her toward the steps.

 

“I can walk on my own,” Kagome grumbled, trying to extricate herself. She was irritated with him for treating her like she was helpless and furious with herself for being in that situation. “If I hadn't fallen for his bluff…”

 

“Hush, miko. Let me take care of you,” he said. He needed to something, anything to help her.

 

He had observed Kagome spar with his own and his father's troops many times, and, though every blow she received stabbed at his instinct to protect her, he knew she was beyond merely capable. However he also knew Kenta's size belied his quickness and cunning and that, of all the Youkai for Kagome to fight, he would present the greatest challenge to her. When they drew the same number, Sesshoumaru's first impulse had been to step in and call it off, but he knew she would never forgive him and, he had to admit, he wanted to see how she would fare.

 

The match was exciting, and she amazed him anew with her speed and unique style. However as the fight continued she gradually seemed more tiny and vulnerable to him, and he watched with increasing turmoil. All the strikes that connected, time and again, cut into him sharply. She acquitted herself well, defending superbly, but when she was tricked by Kenta's feint, Sesshoumaru could no longer stay voluntarily still. He was on his feet as the huge Youkai squeezed the breath of out her and rushed forward when her arm was wrenched, arriving at the platform before Kenta even finished falling.

 

The adjudicators pronounced Kagome the winner while she was borne off the platform in the strong arms of her distressed mate, followed by Gina, clearly disapproving. They walked to the least crowded section of the stands, primarily ignored by the spectators, who were currently distracted by the implications of Kagome's victory on their bets and an argument about the forthcoming match.

 

Sesshoumaru sat carefully, cradling Kagome on his lap, doing his best not to further jar her injury. She buried her face in his chest, panting and shuddering.

 

Gina knelt down in front of them. “Kagome, I need to feel and make sure before I attempt restoring it to its proper position. It's going to hurt.”

 

“I know,” she whimpered. “Just hurry.”

 

Gina probed with skilled fingers, causing Kagome to cry out and convulse. “Sesshoumaru, hold her still,” she scolded. “Sorry, if I don't seem entirely sympathetic.”

 

Sesshoumaru growled, low and threatening,

 

Gina glared at him. “Don't start.” She finished her examination and stood. “It's as I thought. Kagome, sit up straight. Hopefully the first try will be successful.”

 

Kagome nodded wearily. “It's happened before; it should go right in.”

 

The damaged arm was held close to her body, in an attempt to protect it. Gina took her wrist and slowly rotated the forearm out, keeping the upper arm against her ribs.

 

“Aaaagghhh,” Kagome groaned. Her eyes were tightly shut, tears leaking out. Sesshoumaru was almost out of his skin at his inability to stop her pain.

 

“Ready?” Gina asked.

 

Kagome nodded quickly, clutching Sesshoumaru's hand and squeezing to anchor herself. Gina slowly lifted, and Kagome tensed and shrieked, then immediately relaxed against her mate's chest as soon as her shoulder slipped back into place. “Oh, that's better,” she sighed with relief.

 

“Come up to the infirmary with me now, and I'll get a sling and a wrap. That arm needs to be immobilized or it might not heal properly.”

 

“I'll come after the tournament. I don't think I can fight well enough if it's bulky and wrapped up.”

 

Gina's jaw dropped. “You cannot possibly be serious. You don't mean to continue with this ridiculousness!”

 

Kagome steeled herself. “That's precisely what I intend. I've fought with injuries worse than this.”

 

“Kagome, you are risking permanent disability. Don't be foolish,” she admonished, voice becoming shrill with exasperation.

 

“I'll be fine,” Kagome said adamantly. “I've never backed down from a fight. And don't call me foolish.”

 

“Kagome…I thought you were reasonable.” Gina turned her attention to her cousin. “Sesshoumaru, stop her. This is absurd.”

 

Sesshoumaru saw two sets of beautiful female eyes staring at him. The golden ones were angry and confused. The blue were angry and stubborn.

 

“Don't even think you can stop me,” Kagome warned, before he had a chance to say anything. She was still sitting on his lap, and she felt him bristle at her defiance. “I've fought one-handed before,” she said, tempering her tone. “This arm doesn't hurt that much anymore. I'm not giving up.”

 

“Kagome, no one will think you weak if you withdraw because of injury,” he said carefully. “You have nothing to prove.”

 

“You're wrong. I have everything to prove. All the Taiyoukai here think Ningen are spineless and without honor. I am not, and I want to show them. If I don't win, I want it to be because I was beaten, not because I dropped out.”

 

Sesshoumaru regarded her, weighing her words. “Your health and safety are more important than the opinion of the other Taiyoukai."

 

“I'll be fine,” she said firmly. “Sesshoumaru, don't force me to disobey you.”

 

His expression changed from concern to sad indignation. “You would do that to me?” he asked with disbelief.

 

Kagome realized such behavior would violate customary Inuyoukai female deference to the mate and publicly shame him in front of the other three Houses. She had gone too far. “No, I'm sorry.” Her throat constricted as she quickly pressed her body into his and put her good arm around his neck. “Never. I'd never do that to you.”

 

Sesshoumaru knew this was as close to submission as he was likely to get from her and sighed heavily. “Kagome…I just don't want you to be hurt.”

 

She loosened her grip and rested her forehead on his. “Trust me, Sesshoumaru. I wouldn't willingly put myself in danger for sake of pride. I'll be okay. I promise.”

 

“It would be easier for me to agree, if your past record for self-preservation wasn't so checkered.” A smile flickered briefly on his face. “You are difficult to refuse.”

 

Gina looked on with horror. “Good gods! This is ludicrous! Of all the idiotic—” She spun and stormed away, calling out, “You two deserve each other!”

 

“Truer words were never spoken.” He kissed her deeply.

 

“I need a smaller sword,” Kagome said, coming back to Earth. “Your father's is too heavy for me to lift one-handed for very long.”

 

“I'll send someone to fetch one for you.” Staring into her eyes, he smoothed her stray locks out of her face. “After seeing you in so much pain…I don't know how I'll manage watching you fight again.”

 

After kissing him softly, she said simply, “Don't look.”

 

“Miko, I am convinced that, one day, you will be the death of me.”

 

They made their way into the thick of the crowd to learn the match-ups had been altered. The bookmakers, aided by Lord Byakku, argued that the wagers for a pairing of Kouga and Lord Noboru would greatly increase the purse, and the Taiyoukai leaders, who would claim a percentage of the money exchanged, happily acquiesced. Lord Haruto had easily bested Kinjiro in the third match, and Kouga and Noboru were about to begin.

 

“This could take a while,” Sesshoumaru commented. “Kouga and Noboru have sparred numerous times in the past; they have a well-known rivalry in the arena. I should rejoin the others. My parents will be anxious to learn the extent of your injury.”

 

“See you soon. And tell your father not to change his bets. I don't plan on losing.”

 

“I'll send someone with a new sword.” He caressed the side of her face a moment before taking his leave.

 

Kagome sat in her original spot and watched Kouga and Noboru battle. They were adept fighters and, though they took the bout seriously, joked around good-naturedly with each other, and Kagome found herself being drawn in, forgetting about the soreness of her shoulder. The contest distracted her, and she was shocked to see Kenta, having regained consciousness and suffered through an examination by a perturbed Gina, suddenly coming to sit next to her.

 

“Lady Kagome,” he said, bowing. “Please accept my humblest congratulations on your victory. May I join you?”

 

“Of course,” she replied, somewhat surprised at his contrite tone.

 

As they observed the fight taking place, Kenta the one to break the silence. “The Wolf and Lord Noboru are very familiar with each other. They are about the same size and ability. We could be here all night.”

 

“So I've heard.” The match continued, the competitors trying to gain the advantage in driving the other to the edge in hopes of overpowering him and forcing him off the platform. “Kenta,” Kagome asked at length, “satisfy my curiosity. Why were you so focused on my dominant side while we fought? Were you trying to confuse me?”

 

“No,” his said with a short laugh, “we wanted to keep you from fighting in the second round were you to get past me. My most sincere apologies, my Lady. We meant no lasting harm.”

 

“Fair is fair, I suppose. There's nothing illegal about trying to hurt an opponent. But…why?”

 

Kenta drew a deep breath. “To be honest, my Lady…the other Youkai felt the need to save face. There was no honor in it. Again, my apologies. We are used to viewing Ningen as the enemy and old habits don't die a quiet death.”

 

“Lady Kagome,” a young soldier huffed, running up to her with a sword in his hand. “Lord Sesshoumaru told me to bring this to you.”

 

“Thank you, Eiji. Have you been practicing the archery technique I taught you?”

 

He blushed shyly at being addressed directly. “Yes, my Lady.”

 

“Good, I look forward to seeing your improvement. You may go back to watch the fight with your friends.”

 

Kenta appeared taken aback. “You mean to continue? With an injured arm?”

 

“I do.” Kagome grinned wryly. “Save face, hmm. We'll see how much face you'll save when you get your ass handed to you by a one-armed Ningen,” she laughed.

 

He laughed back, understanding why the Western troops seemed to respect her so much. She was skilled and beat him soundly in a fair fight, something that few had ever accomplished. She was also gracious and amiable. The House of the West had found an asset in her.

 

The crowd began to erupt, and the attention of the diminutive Ningen and the enormous Youkai was once again focused on the platform. Kouga and Noboru were both precariously close to the edge, blows being dealt with savage intensity in the hopes that one would lose balance and become vulnerable. Kouga managed a vicious kick to his opponent's sternum, sending him reeling, but just as he sought to end it, Noboru recovered, realized how close he came to losing, ducked to avoid Kouga's attack, and neatly pushed the Ookami off the platform. Kouga, grinning like a madman, slammed his hands on the ground and swore, but then jumped back up and embraced Noboru, the two slapping each others' backs in camaraderie.

 

“Damn,” Kenta said, “that's the quickest a round between those two has been settled in years.” He watched Kagome intently. “Mayhap you'll be up against my Lord Noboru in the final round.”

 

Kagome snorted, standing. “I've got to take down a tiger first,” she remarked, rubbing her shoulder and walking to the platform.

 

She hadn't exactly lied when she said she had fought one-handed previously, however the earlier instance her left arm had been unusable. Her right had been fine. She reflected on what she was able to glean regarding Yemon's fighting style when she had watched the first match. He had been conservative, preferring to defend, waiting for the other to tire himself and present an opening. She hoped to avoid that trap, knowing her left arm would not outlast the large Torayoukai.

 

As she climbed the steps, a hushed silence stretched over the crowd. They had all seen the injury. None were prepared to witness Kagome, sword in hand, intent on continuing. When it became apparent to the assembly that the match would indeed proceed, a deafening cry of support swept through the stands and grounds.

 

Kagome scanned the crowds and easily settled on Sesshoumaru. Even surrounded by the magnificent splendor of the Taiyoukai, he stood out, and she could feel the intensity of his gaze like the warmth of a fire. Then she noticed General Inutaisho and Lady Seiobo, arguing with each other. Seiobo was obviously displeased, though Kagome didn't know if the cause was her presence on the platform or the General's childlike enthusiasm. Putting a hand to her lips, he stopped her, mid-diatribe, and leaned in to whisper something to her. Whatever he said did the trick—her face softened and she kissed him. Kagome had the sudden sensation of being an intruder and snapped back to her current situation, namely facing a large, sword-wielding Youkai.

 

They took their bows, Yemon jeered, “Fighting through a hurt arm? Brave little thing aren't you?”

 

Kagome said nothing, but set her stance, arm held cautiously against her body.

 

He grinned patronizingly. “I'll make it quick for you.”

 

“Please,” Kagome responded evenly, trying not to betray her joy. If he attacked her aggressively, she had more than a good shot at defeating him.

 

She got her wish. Yemon ran at her, sword held high. Kagome easily side-stepped the strike, then moved in quickly and kneed him in the ribs and kicked him in the back of the neck. This was not destined to be a graceful, fluid dance of swords. She would use every trick, dirty and otherwise, available.

 

“I may have a worthless arm, but I can still kick,” she taunted. If Yemon were more calculating he would have seen through her attempts to agitate him. Fortunately, Kagome noted with a smirk, he only got angry, which, in her experience, led to poor judgment.

 

He shook his head and sneered, charging again. The sword in her hand was used as a shield and not a weapon. She deflected and blocked a rapid succession of jabs and thrusts, waiting until he overextended. As soon as the opportunity presented itself, she delivered another hard knee into the same ribs, then kicked higher on his rib cage. He growled and attacked again, but she spun away, light on her feet, and the exertion of chasing her caused him to lose focus.

 

Her right arm ached from the constant movement and the left from the impact of the sword strikes, but as the match continued, Yemon became increasingly frustrated with her speed and flexibility and his inability to keep her from closing in and kicking him. The high kick to the jaw that left him spitting blood was his undoing. Growling, he rushed toward her. She dodged and sidekicked as his momentum carried him past. The heel to the back of the leg brought him to his knees, and Kagome turned and caught his neck with her blade.

 

“Yield!” she demanded, triumphant.

 

Yemon looked up at her as he panted, straining to catch his breath. “I yield.”

 

Kagome clumsily tucked the sword under her bad arm and extended a hand down to the kneeling Youkai. His face was split by a huge grin, and he accepted the offered hand and rose to his feet. They walked off the platform together, the air around them vibrating with riotous noise from the crowds.

 

Sesshoumaru met her at the foot of the steps, a mixture of pride and amusement on his otherwise taciturn face. “Unorthodox…but effective. Interesting to see sword play in which a participant doesn't actually use a sword offensively.”

 

“Thank you…I think,” she said, wiping sweat from her brow. “No one said it had to be pretty. Will you watch the next match with me?”

 

She followed him to where Gina, Azami, Ayame, and Kouga, who was playing roughly with his pup, were seated. Room was made, and Kouga handed Ichirou to Sesshoumaru.

 

Kagome watched Sesshoumaru and sighed with contentment.

 

“This one's gotten big,” he said to Kouga, “and strong,” as the pup gripped his finger. Ichirou hiccupped loudly. “Is he supposed to do that?”

 

“Only if he's been jostled right after a feeding,” Ayame explained, glaring at her mate. “If he spits up on you, my Lord, blame Kouga.”

 

Ichirou was promptly delivered back to his father.

 

“He's getting teeth already.” Kouga stuck a finger in his son's mouth. “Show Lord Sesshoumaru your little fang. Ouch!” The finger was abruptly withdrawn. “They come in sharp.”

 

Ayame rolled her eyes. “Pfft. You're not the one nursing him.”

 

Kagome hazarded a peek at Gina. Their eyes locked, and the latter shook her head slowly but couldn't hold back a smile, which was returned gratefully by Kagome. All seemed right, and Kagome felt accepted and truly happy in her own skin.

 

The volume of the throng increased as Lords Haruto and Noboru ascended the platform.

 

“This will be interesting,” Kouga said thoughtfully. “When was the last time two House heirs fought in a tournament, my Lord?”

 

“Not in recent history,” Sesshoumaru replied. “If I had to choose, I'd give the edge to Noboru, only because I know of his proficiency with a sword, but I imagine Haruto has similar talents.”

 

Azami blushed as Gina nudged her. “What have you discovered of Lord Haruto's talents, Azami?”

 

Sesshoumaru scowled at Gina for what was, in his opinion, a disgracefully undignified query.

 

Gina leered at him. “Oh don't get your hair in a knot, cousin,” she snapped. “Uptight as ever. I thought taking a mate would have made you less of a prude by now.”

 

“It's called discretion, Gina,” he responded dryly. “Something a shrew like you knows nothing of.”

 

“I'd rather be shrewish than a repressed prick,” she countered.

 

Kagome stared, horrified. “What were you two like as children?” She never got her answer; the match was beginning.

 

Haruto and Noboru circled each other, spiraling in, swords held at the ready. They slowly drew in closer, all the while judging and planning. Like predators stalking, tense and coiled with intent, they suddenly sprang at one another. Blades clashed and sang, deadly and resonant.

 

Kagome had seen skill at sword before, but nothing in her experience prepared her for the fight of two great demon lords. She was rapt, captivated. The only word she could bring to mind to describe them was beautiful. Beauty like that of two birds in flight, the grace and speed and precision with which they flew together and parted took her breath away. Never taking her eyes from the spectacle, she moved to grab hold of Sesshoumaru's hand, but the soreness in her arm was a harsh reawakening. Whole, the final round would be the best fight of her life. In her current state, she would never be able to compete with either of them. Of the many, many times she had sparred and fought in contest and fought Youkai in the field, she had experienced many feelings. Excitement, curiosity, vigilance. Never had she felt dread—the belief that the battle was over before it had begun. She felt dread now. And an unfamiliar sadness.

 

The two Taiyoukai came at each other again, slashing, and without warning the unthinkable happened. Metal ringing, bodies in close contact, an arc of bright red suddenly sprayed. Noboru backed away in shock; Haruto sank to his knees, hand held to his neck, a feeble attempt to hide raw reality. He slumped and fell to the floor, as the roar of the assembly abruptly disappeared, to be replaced by a chill silence that was pierced by a scream from Lady Seiryu.

 

Kagome and Gina rushed to the Ryouyoukai, lying in a widening crimson circle. They grimly looked at one another, both capable of recognizing a fatal wound. The gash was deep, and despite their attempts to apply pressure, spurting blood continued to leak between their fingers.

 

“Sesshoumaru!” Kagome screamed. “The beads! Hurry!”

 

He appeared next to her in a flash and, with a single swipe of his claws, the string was severed and the beads scattered across the floor.

 

The miko, eyes incandescent, concentrated her powers on closing the gaping artery beneath her hands. A soft, pink glow emanated from them as energy streamed and pulsed. “Come on, stay with us,” she whispered.

 

Gina could only look on in complete awe at Kagome, both heedless of the growing numbers of Taiyoukai crowding around them. “The blood…the flow is stopping. Is it working?”

 

Kagome said nothing, only closed her eyes to focus. She felt skin begin to knit together and prayed it wasn't too late. After what seemed like forever, the flesh under her hands was smooth, the wound healed. Still, she waited, only removing her hands when there was palpable rhythm, weak, but steady, below her fingers and his breathing returned to normal. “Whew,” she breathed, sitting back on her heels. “He lost a lot of blood, but he lives. It'll take some time, but he should recover.”

 

Gina snapped to attention. “We need to get him to the infirmary. He needs to stay warm.”

 

Two Youkai quickly stepped forward and cautiously picked up Haruto, who was fading in and out of consciousness. Lady Seiryu, sobbing and assisted by Gina, followed behind.

 

Kagome stood slowly, winded from the intensive use of her powers after the prolonged near-dormancy. Sesshoumaru put his arm around her waist until she stabilized.

 

“Lady Kagome,” Lord Seiryu said, visibly shaken, “I owe you my son's life and the future of the House of the South. We are all in your debt.” He knelt in front of her and bent forward, head down and palms on the floor in obeisance. The other Ryouyoukai followed suit.

 

Kagome, not unaware of the singularity of Taiyoukai prostrating themselves to a Ningen, was moved by the respectful tribute. “Lord Seiryu, please rise. I only did what I was trained to do. I am just thankful he survived.”

 

The Youkai rose, and Lord Seiryu said, “You are too humble. Haruto is not simply my heir. He is my only living child. Our House will forever be beholden to you.”

 

Kagome nodded modestly. “You should go to him.”

 

“Lady Kagome.” She turned to see Noboru bowing deeply. “You've prevented me from becoming a murderer. I also am in your debt.”

 

“Lord Noboru, it was an accident. Everyone saw that.”

 

“Nonetheless, it is blood I don't wish to have on my hands. Or my conscience. I thank you,” he said sincerely.

 

“You can thank me by not going easy on me in the final round.”

 

“Only if you agree not to use your miko powers,” he said.

 

“Agreed,” she laughed.

 

As he left them, Sesshoumaru said, “I don't know I can sanction the final round anymore, Kagome. You just saw how dangerous this is.”

 

She looked at him indulgently. “You worry too much.” She stood on tiptoes and kissed him. “I don't think anyone will begrudge me the repair of my arm.” She laid a pink-glowing hand on her shoulder and, a minute later, rolled it around, testing strength and motion. “Good as new. Feel better?”

 

“Hn. I'll feel better when this is over, and you are warming my bed.”

 

Her irritation made itself clear in her single raised eyebrow. “Our bed.”

 

They were interrupted by General Inutaisho. “We'll resume and begin the final round in an hour. That will give us time to clean the blood from the floor and time for you to wash and change.”

 

“Oh…yes,” Kagome stuttered, noticing her stained hands and clothing. “Thank you.”

 

“Kagome, I don't have to tell you the gratitude all four Houses have for the miracle you performed. The loss of an heir is a tragedy, and, were it not for you, we would all be in mourning right now.”

 

“Lord General…I'm glad I able was to do something.” Kagome was becoming disconcerted from all the attention.

 

His seriousness was replaced with levity. “Just beat Noboru next.”

 

“I'll need your sword.”

 

“I'll have it brought down for you,” he said, without hesitation.

 

“So…no more beads,” she said with joyous disbelief, as she and Sesshoumaru walked to the manor. “Why did you destroy them? Why not lift them over my head like before?”

 

“Because the last time I put them back on, it took you a half an hour to recover. I knew then, the next time would be the last. And the situation seemed to demand haste. I thought you'd be happy,” he said, lightly teasing.

 

“I'm ecstatic!” She stood on her hands and exuberantly walked several yards upside down.

 

XXXXX

 

Sesshoumaru and General Inutaisho sat, waiting for the final round to begin. They were joined by Seiobo, looking relieved.

 

“Haruto is weak, but alert,” she informed them. “Gina said he should be alright and eventually recover fully.” She narrowed her eyes at her mate. “I hope you're happy. This tournament was ill-conceived from the beginning. If anything happens to Kagome…and you,” she directed her wrath at her son. “Odd way of protecting a mate…letting her put herself in harm's way.” She paused, waited. “You two are ignoring me, aren't you.”

 

“Darling,” General Inutaisho said, kissing her hand as the drumming started, “you are impossible to ignore.”

 

Their attention turned to the platform and Kagome and Noboru taking their places. The participants bowed and readied. Sesshoumaru's concern was mitigated somewhat by the confident ease Kagome projected as the contest began.

 

They attacked immediately, metal on metal singing loudly, and just as quickly, leaped away. Again they clashed, strikes and counters blending seamlessly as though they were dancers in a perfectly choreographed scene. Their measured, patient circling and quick, artful forays were a study in contrasts, opposites, yet complimentary. They were perfectly balanced, neither giving into passion or the heat of battle, both composed and serene in the fight.

 

Sesshoumaru knew of her abilities, but had never seen her rise to this level of opponent. He had seen many times the speed and guile with which she fought, but her mastery of the blade, the way it became part of her, was new to him, and he felt himself becoming less worried and more enchanted by the cadence and tempo of the metal as it struck its twin, the ebb and flow of their thrusts and turns, advances and retreats.

 

“Told you there's nothing like her,” General Inutaisho remarked with satisfaction, noting his son's amazement. “I still can't believe they handed her to us.”

 

After the first hour of the match, dusk descended and torches were lit. After the second hour, servants were dispatched to the kitchens to bring out food to the Taiyoukai. Vendors circulated amongst the masses, selling refreshments, and still the fight continued.

 

Well into the third hour, Sesshoumaru sensed that Kagome was tiring. Her reactions were not as swift, and she grimaced with every blow she absorbed and deflected. His anxiety increased as she stumbled and was driven back to the edge of the platform. He wanted her to win, but primary was his need to see her safe.

 

Noboru, perceiving weakness, attacked aggressively, driving her down to the floor. He pushed on, forcing her to inch back to the edge of the platform, and moved to put her in check, but just as he was about to form the word `Yield', Kagome swept with a leg, knocking him down. She was up and had a foot on his chest and the tip of her blade at his throat before anyone could register what had taken place.

 

“Yield,” she gasped, not nearly as fervently as earlier in the day.

 

Noboru lay back on the floor, exhausted. “I yield.”

 

The tournament was over.

 

Kagome collapsed just as Sesshoumaru reached her. He scooped her up and carried her through the wildly celebrating throng.

 

“Do you want anything to eat?” he asked as they left the arena. “You must be starving.” She hadn't eaten that day and had spent the majority of it preparing for or engaged in combat.

 

“I'll be ravenous tomorrow,” she managed to say. “Right now, I just need sleep.”

 

He carried her up to their bed, finally content in being able to take care of her.