InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Something Always Holding You Back ❯ Chapter One ( Chapter 1 )

Chapter 1:

Amber eyes watched his every move. Their icy stare stalking him, waiting for him to make his next move. He took a few calming breaths attempting to clear his mind. He needed to think of a way to end this fast. His mind calculated a dozen different plans of action, but none deemed worthy of success. He was to fail. He knew it down to his core. With the way he was now, he could not win. Slowly he started to walk around the circle making direct contact with the sharp golden eyes. He waited to his opponent's eyes to shift indicating his next move. No such movement came. Inuyasha knew he had to make the next move.

He tensed up his muscles anticipating the pain that he would be feeling mere seconds from now. He lunged forward towards the icy golden eyes. He was quickly on his back gasping for air. Sharp claws scrapped against his neck so close to killing him. The clawed hand tightened around his neck. Inuyasha glared up at the cold eyes and struggled to get free. Seconds passed but they seemed like minutes to Inuyasha as he struggled against the demon's grip. A loud bell rung through the ring and the hand withdrew.

Inuyasha rolled over on his side coughing. With difficultly he avoided throwing up in front of everyone. His opponent's normally static face wore a small smirk. The demon with the amber orbs turned his heel and walked out of the sparring ring. He did not bother with the many fellow demon students that went up to congratulate him. They were all only trying to suck up to him. Their families all schemed and planned trying to get close to him.

After his opponent left, Inuyasha watched as the power hungry leeches came rushing up to him to help. He struggled getting up and scuffed off their hands. He slowly made his way out of the ring. He ignored their pretend attempts of concern. He scanned the faces coming upon the one he was looking for. He smiled slightly at the evident distress across her features. Her sapphire eyes watered. She was on the verge of tears.

“Inu, you didn't have to do that,” Kagome said inspecting him for damage. Inuyasha mumbled a response but was cut off by a winced when she came across a cut in his side.

“I knew I would lose to Fluffy. I always do,” his voice more wheezed than he meant it to be.

She frowned looking up at him. “You know, you are the only one holding yourself back. You need to realize you can be just as good if not better than him.” She glared at the said demon in question that was leaning against a close by tree.

He took her hands away from his wound and looked down at her. “Kags, I'm fine.” She turned her attention back at him. Starring into his eyes. The same golden eyes Sesshoumaru had and yet so different. So full of emotion and hidden strength his older brother didn't possess. She bit her lip, wishing he would see it as she saw it. How she hated his brother the ice prince. She would go up to him and give him a piece of her mind if she was not so worried about Inuyasha's wounds and injured pride.

“Come on, lets get you to the healers,” she said walking away. She knew he wouldn't allow any help walking from her or anyone so she just lead the way silently. Kagome paused for a moment before walking into the building feeling someone watching her. Quickly scanning the crowd she found no one. Biting her lip she turned her sapphire eyes back to Inuyasha and walked with him to the infirmary.

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Sesshoumaru watched his weakling of a brother stumble his way to find the girl. He hid his disgust behind his emotional mask as he tightened his fist. His claws dug into the palms quickly slashing through the skin. He was letting a measly human touch him. Defiling their pure blood. He growled deep in his chest softly when he heard his brother use his not so creative nick name for him. Which he loathed more than his brother and his pet human.

I keep telling you to not judge her. You are going to regret it, his inner beast said matter of fact tone. It annoyed him to no end when his beast decided to add commentary on his life. Sesshoumaru just ignored him and kept his keen eyes on the human helping his brother. When she turned around feeling his eyes on him he quickly shifted his gaze to something less entertaining. All the demon bitches around him were trying to flaunt and get his attention. He lazily glanced over them, none catching his attention.

His gaze narrowed as one of them started to saunter over to him. “I am in no mood for your games Kagura. I suggest you leave this Sesshoumaru's presence immediately,” he said with a bored tone. It irritated him more as she started to pout and move closer.

“Aw, come on Sessy. There has to be some way I can,” she moved up to whisper into his ear “pleasure you.”

Sesshoumaru had to hold back a look of disgust as he stood up and started to walk away. She did not need any more attention. The other female demons watched the interaction between the sexy ice prince and the wind demon. The encounter left small slivers of hope. Allowing them to think they stood a chance at capturing his affections. There was now one less rival. They all snickered and giggled as Kagura huffed and took off in a cloud of dust on her feather into the sky.

You should not let other bitches touch us if they are not to be our mate his beast growled in annoyance.

“This Sesshoumaru does not need lecturing from…himself,” he stated. His beast rose up for a moment searching out the scent of his brother's human unknowingly to Sesshoumaru. It was pleased to find her where he thought she would be. His beast ever so slightly tugged on his body leading him into the literature building. Once his beast was pleased with his position, he reseeded.

Sesshoumaru blinked, not realizing he had walked into a building. He mentally sneered at himself, not sure what his beast was up to. `I need to keep you chained up tighter,' he growled to himself.

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“Ow wench,” Inuyasha yelled. “You do know that in a couple of hours I will be fine?”

Kagome ignored him and continued to put an ointment on his gash and proceeded to wrap it. Inuyasha sat quietly with a pink tint shading his cheeks. He refused help from the healers. He only allowed Kagome to help after she forced him by tugging on his fluffy appendage at the top of his head, much to his protest.

“Thank you,” he mumbled when she was finished. She smiled brightly up at him. As she started to put the supplies back he walked over to the window deep in thought.

You are letting him get to you the deep voice growled.

`Feh, as if. We will teach him next time. I don't see why the professors think it is amusing to put us against each other anyway,' he mentally stated to his beast.

They want to see a powerful, frightening fight between the two Takahashi brothers. Yet you always ruin that, baka.

Inuyasha winced. He knew he never tried against his brother anymore while on campus. He never tried anymore at all against. Deep down he knew. Knew that he would never amount up to his shadow. He closed his eyes slowly taking in Kagome's scent. Lavender and vanilla followed her and he could get lost in it. His eyes snapped open when the bells rung on the school grounds.

“Inu, time for lecture. I'll see you after class,” she said with a smile. She gave him a worried glance before walking out of the room quickly with her book bag hanging on her shoulder. Inuyasha sighed when she left.

“That icy bastard,” Inuyasha mumbled to himself. The fight hurt him more than he would like to admit. Inuyasha narrowed his eyes remembering. He was doing it on purpose. Taunting him.

Sooner or later, we are going to have to show him that we are his equals, his beast stated as if it were true.

`Keh. You honestly think we stand a chance against him?' he asked his beast as he left the infirmary heading out of the building. He threw his hands into his pockets as he headed towards the male locker room.

I just know our father won't be happy to hear you did not put up much of a fight.

`You are relatively chatty today aren't ya? How about you shut up now.' Inuyasha grumbled to himself.

He found the locker with his name on it and started to undress. He ignored the protest from his body and grabbed a towel as he headed towards the shower. Turning on the hot water he went under the water stream sighing softly closing his eyes. With one hand on the wall he held himself steady as he allowed his forehead to rest on the cool tile. He let the water run down his toned body relaxing.

We could take up more training.

`More? How much extra time do you think we have?'

Well you want to get better right? That is the only way you stubborn pup.

Inuyasha winced at the word pup. `Okay, say we make more time for training. What more could I do?'

Are you so dense you can't feel your own power? Inuyasha didn't respond but pondered on the question.

He wasn't sure how long he stood there before he proceeded to grab his hair pulling it out from the long braid. His bright silver locks fell against his back and his dog-ears flattened on his head relaxing even farther. The hanyou was glad he did not have any classes today. He debated going back to his apartment but quickly decided not to. Kagome would be waiting for him.

He reached to turn the water off. Wrapping the towel around his waist, his feet padded against the tile floor. Making his way back to his locket and grabbed another towel drying his long silver hair. After he was done drying his body off he pulled a clean pair of jeans out of his gym bag and tugged them up. Throwing his hair into a low ponytail and slipping on a red t-shirt he slammed his locked closed. Glancing at the clock he frowned. Kagome wouldn't be out of class for another hour.

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Kagome grabbed her book out of her bag and flipped to the page she left off on. She dodged between the students in the hallways and walkways as she carelessly walked towards her next class. She was so absorbed into the book that she didn't see the tall silver haired demon in front of her until it was too late. She coiled straight into his chest.

“Oof,” she said dropping her books as she stumbled backwards. “I am so so-“ her words were lost when she looked up into the cold stare of Sesshoumaru. He held onto his icy mask only allowing an eyebrow to raise in question. “Oh, it's just you Fluffy,” she mumbled as she bent down picking up her book and bag. “Don't you have something else to do besides irritate me?” she asked the taiyoukai. She was surprised to even see him on this side of campus. She bit her lip trying to process her rapidly growing thoughts and questions.

He watched her carefully not responding. She had the nerve to talk to him like that. And somehow deep down, he knew he found her all the more interesting because of it. In his presence she did not try to capture his attention sexually. She spoke her mind and did not understand the concept of holding her tongue. She was most likely the only female he had come across that did not seek his acceptance. In fact, she hated him. He was sure of it. Sesshoumaru didn't feel his beast get unsettled at his thought. He was too focused on her to notice much of anything. She dared talk to him that way.

“Well…okay,” she said stepping to the side walking past him. She felt the heat of his stare that lingered on her a little too long and tried to suppress the blush that crept across her cheeks.

“Human,” he said turned around walking behind her. Kagome glanced behind her shoulder surprised.

“I do not have time to entertain you Fluffy,” she used his nick name. She flashed him a fake smile when his eyes narrowed. “I have class.” As she said that she disappeared into the lecture hall. He grew furious that she thought it was acceptable to treat him such a way. He deeply growled and walked away.

“You will be entertaining me soon enough,” he commented back. She blinked a few times, almost sure his eyes were red for a moment. But, the moment he stopped talking, it was gone. She watched as he inclined his head. It was the only indication that she knew she saw something. She just wasn't sure what it was. Kagome tried her best to stop her rapidly beating heart. `Oh my god,' she thought over and over.

In class she couldn't focus. Couldn't get him out of her mind. He was started to take her over. She tried her best to over come the feelings but there was something otherworldly about the connection. Something besides him was pulling her towards him. Her stomach dropped at the thought and her head snapped straight up. His words echoed in her mind. Her eyes were wide in horror.

Some of the demons in her class glanced her way, sensing her distress and fear. Her face flushed hot red when she noticed their heated stares She quickly grabbed her things and left the lecture hall as fast as she could. Kagome wondered over to the large tree where she normally read and ate lunch. Her heart was aching at the thought that ran through her mind. Yet, her head was screaming for a different answer. The months of torture he had put her through with the minor ways he seemed to pop into her daily life finally made sense. Everything made sense now. After months of avoiding him and denying her feelings, she could finally breath and let herself just…feel.

She felt tears sting her eyes at the realization. She was going to lose her best friend. She slumped against the tree sinking to the ground.  She was going to crush him, and she couldn't stop it from happening. Tugging her knees into her body she hide her face into them. Trying to find a solution. There was no way out.

“You're his mate,” came a deep rough voice beside her. She instantly looked up to find Kadin standing next to her with his hands in his pockets. “I caught on awhile ago. I could tell.” He paused. “I could sense your feelings for him,” he mumbled. With those words, her heart broke. The look in his eyes said it all. She opened her mouth to say something but no words came. He slowly sat down next to her. “It's okay. I…” he paused looking at the sky trying to find the right words. He growled getting frustrated with himself. “I won't let him take you away from me though,” he barely whispered. They sat there silent for a few moments. Kagome wanted to wrap her arms around him, to ensure him that nothing would change. But, she couldn't lie to him. He didn't need her embrace right now. There was nothing she could do to help him.

“I would never…” she started. He held up a hand and stopped her. He gazed at her with a sad smile.

“I know Kags. I know,” he leaned in and kissed her forehead. He knew she needed to sort this out on her own. As well as he did. He needed to get away. Needed to cope with the reality. “It will be okay Kags,” he said as he jumped up and took off into the treetops. Then he was gone. She knew she wouldn't see him for a while. She wished it were raining so that no one could notice the tears that now streamed down her cheeks. She hugged her knees into her chest again and hid her face from the world.

Kagome wasn't sure how long she sat under the tree. She didn't even realize the sun went down until she started to shiver from the night breeze that swept past her. As Kagome raised her head and wiped her swollen puffy face and sniffled. Her heart was being torn in two different directions. It was shattered at how this was affecting her best friend. Not to mention that everything changed after today. However, it was also in bliss. She was to be Sesshoumaru's mate. It surprised her. Not that she had self-esteem issues. She was not nearly as beautiful as the female demons, nor as strong. She was a human. Sesshoumaru hated humans. It was odd that he would choose her. She sighed in defeat. There was a reason; there was always a reason for any action from the ice prince.

She slowly lay back on the cool grass. Enjoying the awakening the cold gave. Starring up at the stars Kagome tried to sort the thoughts that raced in her mind. There was the part of her that wanted to find Sesshoumaru and instantly go into his strong arms. Another part wanted to make this more difficult for him as it had been for her these past months. There was even a third part that hated him. Z felt like she was falling apart. She had to plan her next move and do it soon, or he would.

Go into his arms willingly?

Continue hating him and face the harsh consequences of refusing to mate him?

Run away?

Too many questions popped into her head. Another after another after another. There was an endless cloud of them growing and building. Doubt. Fear. Thrill. Love.

Kagome groaned at herself. Not love. She did have deep feelings for the older demon, but no. It was not love. She refused to allow herself that.

Her gaze followed a shooting star that delicately fell across the night sky. The soft sounds of spring surrounded her and she slowly started to calm down. There were no sounds on campus. No cars of city sounds. It was peaceful. Kagome frowned as she thought about what part of her to follow. It made sense to easily walk into his arms. It felt like the only right thing to do. The other parts of her didn't want that to feel right. The past few months had been torture for her. He knew exactly was he was doing. He knew that she was his mate for a long time now.

Kagome sat up quickly. A plan was formulating in her mind. The pieces were finally coming together. There was no way she would give him the satisfaction. Just because she was to be his mate, did not mean she had to make it easy. He was taking her best friend away from her. He was basically taking everything from her. She was his. She knew the demon ways very well. Even though mates were said to be equal once mated. The male demon still was the dominant one. And Sesshoumaru? His every pore breathed dominance.

Kagome smirked. Sesshoumaru had to know that she found out she was his mate. The way he had been acting for the past few months confirmed that he wanted her to know it. Sesshoumaru would not like it if she in anyway defied him. A shiver ran down her body. Could she really play that dangerous of a game? With the one and only Sesshoumaru? Who came from one of the most powerful demon bloodlines in all demon history?

She took a deep breath looking up into the sky. She caught the glimpse of another shooting star and that was her answer. She snorted slightly at herself. “If I am worthy enough to be his mate. Than I am strong enough to give him a run for his money,” she whispered into the night air. Let the game begin, she thought to herself.