InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Vying for Dominance ❯ A Challenge Posed ( Chapter 18 )

A Challenge Posed

 

 

Holing up yet another layer of the elaborate gown, Kagome sighed. She had No. Idea. how the hell to get into the damn thing. And, since it was such a tragic loss, she found herself lamenting yet again the absence of her bra and proper panties.

 

Sighing again, she abandoned her efforts, focusing instead on the persistent nagging of her senses which told her she wasn't alone. “You can come out,” she told the presence that had been keeping to the shadows of the trees surrounding the hotspring. She knew that no harm would come from this one, if so, she never would have been able to pass through the barrier Sesshomaru had set up for her protection while she was so exposed in her bath. Besides, she recognized this female's aura.

 

The young raven she had seen earlier stepped away from her concealment. Her steps were hesitant, and her posture stiff. Even as she tried to make herself seem demure, Kagome could see the apprehension in her eyes.

 

“I apologize, miko,” the raven whispered. “I did not realize you knew my presence.”

 

Kagome chuckled a little. She was so naive. “I may not be able to smell you, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't know you were there.” Tilting her head slightly to regard the timid female, she asked, “What were you doing back there anyways?”

 

Though difficult to see given the sleek black markings that ran across the female's cheeks and the concealing effect of her raven hair, Kagome swore she saw the youkai blush.

 

“I am sorry,” the raven apologized again, her words still hushed and hesitant. “But I was curious.”

 

“What?” Kagome smirked. “Never seen a human before?”

 

“Not a human,” the other replied, “A miko.”

 

“Ah.” Realization dawning on her, Kagome softened a little to the raven's hesitations. She was probably afraid after having heard so many horror stories of others of her kind running into those of her own. “It's alright you know,” she tried to soothe her. “I'm not going to bite or anything.”

 

The raven blinked, her doe eyes widening in obvious shock. “I did not realize humans engaged in such behavior.”

 

Stifling her giggles as best she could, Kagome shook her head. Kami, this girl was something else. “We don't,” she replied. But, with a snap of her jaw to click her teeth together, she added with a sly grin and a wink, “Usually.”

 

Silence. Not a swish of breeze, a chirping insect, a gurgle of the hotspring; just silence.

 

Kagome huffed and rolled her eyes. At least she thought her joke was funny. “So…” she drawled out slowly. “Do you have a name?”

 

The raven tilted her head slightly as she made her introduction. “I am called Kara, miko-san.”

 

“Nice to meet you Kara, I'm Kagome.”

 

Again, silence. This was getting really old. “I'm guessing…Shaeda sent you here?” Kagome tried.

 

A small nod was the raven's only reply, and Kagome's right eye twitched once in annoyance. “To help me get dressed?” she pressed.

 

Again her question was met with a small nod and more silence. Lifting an eyebrow at the same time as lifting an end of one of the gowns laid sprawled out in front of her, she asked, “Do you mind? I really have no idea what I'm doing here.”

 

“Oh!” Seeming to remember herself, the young raven moved quickly to help with the layers of cloth. “Yes, of course.”

 

As Kara gathered together the fine layers of silk, spreading each out delicately over her arm before adding another to the layered pile, Kagome sighed her relief that the task was no longer hers. Truly, she hadn't worn a Kimono since she was a child, and then they were only one-piece replicas made of nylon and cotton and held together by zippers not long, elaborate ties. Hell, he mother probably didn't even remember how to put together the real thing. In her time, the only women who wore the elaborate costumes were those well-to-do enough to have someone put it on for them or girls putting on a show for a crowd. The closest knowledge she had to the old style of dressing was how to put on a miko garb; but, lets face it, it's totally not the same thing.

 

She was beyond grateful for the help; but, unfortunately, she knew that she was far more indebted to this youkai than simply for helping her dress.

 

“You were the one in the arena earlier, weren't you?” Kagome asked as Kara placed the first of many layers over her shoulders.

 

She hardly paused in her task to reply, “Hai, it was me.”

 

“I'm sorry.”

 

This time, Kara did stop what she was doing, lifting her dark eyes to regard the miko. “Why be sorry?”

 

“If it hadn't been for me, that male would have been your mate. I'm sorry for having ruined it all for you, but I had no choice.”

 

To Kagome's surprise, Kara smiled.

 

“No, miko Kagome,” she replied with a light shake of her head. “It is because you exposed his underhanded tactics which brought him his misgotten victory that I am indebted to you now. Had it not been for you, his shame would have become mine to bear as well.”

 

“Huh.” It suddenly made sense why, despite her obvious hesitations, that this young female had offered her assistance. Shaeda must have known this as well, and that was why she sent her. “Tell you what, Kara,” Kagome said with a smile. “Help me into this dress, and we'll call it even.”

 

“You would forgive such a debt so easily?”

 

The raven seemed absolutely flabbergasted, and Kagome laughed. “Sure. Why not? You have no idea how long it would have taken me if I didn't have your help. Besides,” she added in a softer tone, “I would rather make a single friend than have a hundred who would serve me for an unpaid debt.”

 

The raven seemed confused and uncertain for a moment before she slowly nodded her head. “If that is your wish, miko Kagome.”

 

Her words, however, were spoken hesitantly, as though there was something left unsaid. And her actions, the unconscious motions of her hands against the silk draping over her arm spoke even more of such things.

 

“Kara?” Kagome asked gently. “Is there something you wanted to say?”

 

“I…” She was hesitant to speak. After all, it wasn't her place. But the miko, strange as it was to her to think, seemed almost concerned. “I may not be a skilled as Auria when it comes to stitchwork, but I had been hoping…”

 

The pause was just a little too long for Kagome patience. “Yes?” she pressed.

 

“…Your hair,” Kara whispered meekly. “I am fond of styling hair, but I have never done so for a human. I had hoped to help?”

 

The question was so cute, and Kagome was suddenly reminded of her little Shippo when he was asking for more candy. Giggling, she replied, “Oh, honey, if you can do something with my hair, it would be me in your debt.” Giving a tug at one of the matted strands, seeing the tattered mess left after having scrubbed it clean of the dirt and blood without any kind of shampoo, she laughed again. “I can't believe he would even look at me like this.”

 

“He?”

 

Her eyes widening when she realized her lapse, Kagome swallowed down the sudden catch in her throat to answer. Forcing a grin, she looked sideways at Kara. “I know I saw you walking with Lord Takked too. Admit it, he's quite the charmer.”

 

Though she had tried to hide it by tucking her head down to bring her hair forward to cover her face, Kagome knew that she had seen the blush on Kara's cheeks this time.

 

“Hai, that he is.”

 

“So come on!” Kagome called cheerily. “Let's gussy me up and see if those stuffy Lords will even recognize me.”

 

For the first time since they had started talking, Kara smiled a real smile in return. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and it was with anticipation and enthusiasm that Kara took to the task if helping the young miko change into a young Lady.

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

“Would another drink please my Lord?”

 

She was returning. He could feel it, had felt the brush of her hand against his barrier send a rush of tingling sensation flowing through his body. Kagome…

 

“Sesshomaru?”

 

His eyes widening slightly in shock, Sesshomaru brought his vision back into focus to his immediate surroundings. Looking down to his left side, he was at a loss when he found Auria looking at him expectantly.

 

“Would you care for drink?” she repeated her inquiry.

 

But still he said nothing, and still he looked at her; seeing for perhaps the first time how green her eyes truly were and how her hair, swept back an up to reveal the fine lines of her delicate features, shimmered like the sun's rays.

 

Having not received and answer, but no wanting to offend, she reached out to take his cup.

 

Sesshomaru, however, responded immediately to her movement, his hand taking hers to stop it.

 

Her hand…Skin so flawlessly soft and beautifully pale, fingers tapered so delicately to finish with elegant tips at her claws. Against his, it fit so perfectly; the image of their immortal connection. And yet…her hand was cold, and her touch reluctant instead of inviting.

 

“My Lord.” Slipping her hand away from the hold of his, Auria bowed her head as she quickly folded it into her robe.

 

Seconds ticked past, and still Auria would not meet his eyes, and still Sesshomaru would not look away. He could see her discomfort as well as he could sense it, but still she did nothing, keeping herself submitted before him, the perfect image of a beautiful porcelain doll. It was strange though, where normally he would have felt as uncomfortable and awkward as she was likely now when in her presence, he felt nothing at all. Nothing.

 

“Auria, my dear,” Takked broke through the uncomfortable silence, turning the golden female's attention to him. He offered her a pleasant smile. “Would you perhaps help see our human hostess brought back? I think Tannis has been long awaiting the return of someone who will actually fill his cup.”

 

The smile she returned to him was meant to be charming, but it was unintentionally filled with gratitude. “Of course, Lord Takked. It would be my pleasure.”

 

Auria stood from the table, bowed gracefully to the assembly, and then turned to take her leave. And though Takked watched her departure, his keen eyes took note on how there was another set of eyes trained on her from the other end the table, and they were not Sesshomaru's. In fact, Sesshomaru had seemed to find his empty cup far more interesting than his promised mate.

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

“I am going to trip. And I am going to fall on my face.”

 

Kara bit her tongue to hold back her giggles, and using her free hand - the one not trying to keep the miko steady on her feet - to cover her lips and hide her growing smile. “You will not, miko,” she told her lightly. “You are doing fine.”

 

Kagome shot the demoness a look of complete disbelief, but, seeing her mirth, she simply gave up and sighed. “How do you do it?” she asked in wonder. “I mean, this stuff weighs a ton!”

 

Not being able to hold it in this time, Kara giggled. “Yes, I know. But you look lovely, Kagome.”

Straightening a little, Kagome looked down at the beautiful gowns. The layers underneath had created a fading mirage of the deepest blue to faint silver only seen in the long billows of her sleeves. And the topcoat, made of the deepest navy, and stitched fully up both arms and along every seam with a dazzling pattern of interlacing silver strands flowed with graceful lines, fanning over her hips due to the layered knots to hold the other pieces in place and continuing down to nearly brush the ground at her feet.

 

Her hair had been swept away from her face, pulled into a high bun that was left loose to allow a few strands to strategically escape to curl down her neck; leaving her bright sapphire eyes the main focus of attention. They were wide when the looked back to Kara, the soft blue glinting excitedly in the sun as she asked, “Do you really think so?”

 

Smiling in reassurance, Kara nodded. “Of course, miko. You…”

 

Cutting the other off with a sharp gesture for silence, Kagome threw off her relaxed stance, took a step in front of the young raven, and made herself ready for what was coming.

 

Gina…She knew it was that bitch come back to play. She had been close for a while now, but waiting for something to happen. That something, however, became disturbingly obvious when the bitch finally decided to show herself, stepping out to block their path only when she had been joined by four darkly colored females. They were flanking her, two on each side as she stepped forward; but Kagome didn't once look at any of the others. She kept her gaze, fierce and hard, on the silver bitch.

 

“Well, well, well,” the sliver sneered, “What have we here? It seems the little miko has found herself a new garment. So pretty.” She shook her head in mock regret. “Such a shame it is going to be ruined.”

 

Ok, so Kagome had been prepared for the rude and scathing comments about herself, but seriously. Do. Not. Mess. With. The. Dress. “You're pathetic,” she spit out at the silver bitch. “Look at you, can't even give out insults without your little army of bitches backing you up.” Her lips twisted into a mocking smirk. “Are you really that scared of me?”

 

She watched as the bitch stiffened in outrage, but the smirk never left Kagome's lips. She had learned from the best how to throw out mocking insults against a foe, and this bitch was about get a lesson Kagome style.

 

- - - - - - - - - - - -

 

“That one certainly knows how to find trouble for herself,” Takked observed, his attention to the standoff happening between the young miko and their females from across the field behind the stadium plainly obvious. He turned to Sesshomaru curiously. “Perhaps we should put a stop to it before it is given a chance to escalate?”

 

Sesshomaru, however, only waved his hand dismissively, giving his reply without ever turning to face the elder Lord. “Unnecessary.” Though he would have been more than happy to step in and let that silver bitch know unquestionably her place, this was not his fight. He had heard the hard edge in his miko's voice when she spoke of Gina's treachery, and all with ears acute enough had heard her whispered decree in the arena earlier. No, Gina was Kagome's target. The numbers were only an obstacle that he was certain she would find a way to overcome. “Let the females settle their own disputes.”

 

“Surely you are not suggesting that young Hume child is capable of standing with our females?”

 

Suggesting? A hardly visible smirk lifted on Sesshomaru's lips. No, he would lay bets on it. “You forget, Takked. She is a miko. Had she wished it, she could have purified half of the arena along with the shard she took possession of. But she did not. She chooses to use her voice, and you yourself have been swayed by her words. Do not underestimate her. Such ignorance has spelled the end for many youkai. In fact...” Emphasizing his next words by finally turning to Takked, he told him, “It was she who disposed of Menomaru after the Shikon granted his freedom from my father's seal upon him.”

 

“That girl…?”

 

The old dog actually sounded astonished, and Sesshomaru looked away again before the smirk rapidly taking over his lips was revealed. “If it is still your wish to interfere in the bitches' play, I shall leave you to it. This Sesshomaru, however, has no intention of doing so.”

 

But while his eyes would not turn to watch the events unfolding, his ears heard all of what transpired.

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

“You will regret the day you ever met me, miko.”

 

“That's funny,” Kagome laughed shortly in return. “Seems to me you already regret the day you met me. Or don't you remember? Perhaps a litter refresher is needed? You lost to me, and then, because your over-inflated pride wouldn't allow you to accept that a `mere mortal' could defeat you, you disgraced yourself by abducting me in such a dishonorable way. And now that that backfired too, you come at me five to one because you're such a bloody coward you can't even face me on your own.”

 

“Five on one?” The laughing voice cut in just as a fierce snarl ripped from Gina's lips. Kagome turned her eyes a fraction to catch sight of Enai strolling causally towards them. In her hands, she was twirling her sais atop her fingers with practice ease, but when she came to a stop to stand beside Kagome, she quickly flipped them down to take firm holds against the grips. “I think my friends and I can even those odds up a bit.”

 

Still snarling, Gina turned her furious gaze to the golden one. “This does not concern you, Enai.”

 

A cocky smile on her lips, Enai stretched lazily, even pausing to scratch the back of her head with one of her Sais. Stopping halfway through a particularly good scratch however, she took notice of Gina as though she hadn't realized the whole while the silver had been glaring at her murderously. “Oh, I'm sorry,” she said in a most unapologetic tone. “I was waiting for the point.”

 

“Impudent pup.” So consumed by her rage and desire to see the miko brought to justice, Gina disregarded the fact of whose sister Enai was. “If you wished to stand with this human filth, then so be it. This shall be a lesson you will not soon be forgetting.”

 

“I do not believe you are in any position to be giving lessons to my sister, Gina.”

 

The silver stiffened at the sound of Auria' voice. But she refused to be beaten again. “Auria, you too would stand with this miko slime?” Her question was as much an accusation against the golden female. “It was she who dishonored your mate to be by offering him her favor!”

 

But Auria was not phased in the slightest. She remained as composed and dignified as ever, tilting her chin up just that much more to let the silver know her place. “Perhaps,” she acknowledges in a soft, steady voice. “But she quite obviously did not understand the implications of the gesture. If Lord Sesshomaru had wished for retribution for the slight against him, he would have had it. Since he did not, I see no reason for me to hold the action against her. I do, however, see a contest of such unfavorable odds to be one, as the miko has said, quite an act of cowardice. If you still wish for the contest, then consider my sister and I to be your opponents as well.”

 

“Make that four.” Kara had added her voice to the stand. As she stepped forward, her eyes were downcast; but when she reached Kagome's side, she tilted her head up proudly even knowing she stood against faces that she knew. “I would be shamed to not stand for the miko when it was she who revealed to us all Yami's disgrace, Lady Gina.”

 

As if hearing the little tart speaking to her in such a way about her son's actions wasn't enough, having her call her by her title was absolutely infuriating. Still, having Auria as an opponent was not something that Gina was looking forward to repeating. The bitch had already humiliated her once, and with the miko as well…

 

The decision, however distasteful, was unavoidable.

 

Sniffing haughtily, Gina composed herself and tilted her chin up. “You are all fools,” she admonished, her words laced with venom. But before she would take her leave, she set her sights on Kagome one last time. “Mark my words, miko. This has not ended.”

 

Turning away in a graceful sweep, the silver indulged herself in a wicked, vindictive grin. No, it would not be over until she saw the miko dead.

 

With the silver and her followers steadily moving away, Kagome allowed herself to relax somewhat. Only somewhat, mind you. Her eyes, she found, had shifted to look at the golden princess.

 

“Thank you,” she said quickly when Auria turned, knowing she was looking at her.

 

“Do not think on it, miko,” Auria replied dismissively. “It was not for you that I would stand. I simply have no tolerance for such disgusting displays of cowardice.”

 

“Besides,” Enai added with a short laugh. “It's always fun to see Gina put in her place. She is such a bitch!”

 

Though she would have loved to break out in a fit of laughter at the proclamation, Kagome wasn't so sure it was a good idea considering the company she was keeping. So, she forced herself to just nod mutely in agreement. “I guess I should be thanking you too, Enai.” With a pointed glance at her weapons, she added with a grin, “And your friends.”

 

“If you really want to thank me, miko. There is one thing I would like to know.”

 

Enai's voice had lost much of its lightness, becoming much more somber in its tone; and for a moment, Kagome felt a twinge of apprehension. “Alright…” she said hesitantly.

 

Moving closer, Enai set her arm around Kagome's shoulders and leaned in to whisper her question. “You've seen Sesshomaru in battle, haven't you?”

 

“Yes…” Again her reply was hesitant. What did that have to do with anything?

 

Leaning in closer still, Enai's voice squeaked with poorly concealed excitement. “So what's it like? Is it like watching sex in motion?”

 

“Enai!”

 

Looking up quickly to her sister, Enai blinked. “What?” she asked, as though her question had been a completely valid one. But, shrugging off the intended scolding, she turned back to Kagome and gave her wink. “I tell you, what I wouldn't give to sink my teeth into that hunk of Inu.”

 

“You?” Kagome was confused. How many bitches did that guy have chasing after his tail? She looked to Auria. “I thought that you were to be Sesshomaru's mate?”

 

“That is none of your business, miko,” Auria replied quickly.

 

“Really, Auria,” Enai admonished, “Lighten up. It was just a question. The miko doesn't know our customs.” Giving a slight tug to Kagome's shoulders, Enai began leading her towards a sheltering of trees where their conversation could not be so easily overheard. Still, no matter how concealed they were, she kept her voice hushed from the threat of prying ears.

 

“You see, our father has primed Auria since she was a pup to be Sesshomaru's mate. She knows it, I know it; hell, everyone knows it. No one has ever defeated her in a contest, and no one tries any longer. It is simply a well known fact that when Sesshomaru chooses a mate, that it will be Auria. Besides, I wouldn't want to face her in contest. She may be my sister, but in a battle for a mate, such things are easily forgotten.”

 

Though her effort was a clumsy one as she tried to control the many layers she wore, Kagome managed to sit beneath the shelter of the tree Enai had led them to. Kara joined them, sitting slightly of to Kagome's right. Auria was the last, managing somehow to make even the simple task of sitting seem elegant and graceful.

 

After a moment of silence in which to process her thoughts, Kagome just had to speak. “I still don't understand,” she drawled out slowly as she looked to Auria. “If you have been in the position to be his mate for so long, why aren't you? I mean, all of this, that's what it's about, isn't it? You are all proving your strengths to each other. But if you have already proven yourself, and he hasn't accepted you, then why doesn't someone else take you for theirs?”

 

“It is not as simple as you would make it seem, miko,” Auria replied. “It is my father's wish that I be Sesshomaru's mate. So long as I contest these rights, he will contest any other that is not Lord Sesshomaru.”

 

When she finished, she turned slightly, letting her eyes drift across the gathering. Had she not been looking closely, Kagome would have missed the way her eyes seemed to linger in one place before moving on. Glancing curiously in the direction Auria had been looking; Kagome was shocked to find Jomon leaning against a pillar at the far end of the assembly.

 

Even from the distance, she could see the glinting flash of his crystal blue eyes as they reflected the light. He was watching them. No. She stood corrected. He was watching Auria. And she…She had been watching him.

 

“You don't want to be Sesshomaru's mate, do you?” Kagome asked her quietly.

 

Turning quickly, Auria's placid composure was shattered when she snapped, “Hold your tongue, miko. It would be my great honor to be the mate of the esteemed Lord Sesshomaru.”

 

That was what she said, but her eyes told a different story. She was being forced into the mating by her father, but it was one she didn't truly want to commit to. Like an arranged marriage, but the bride had already fallen in love with another.

 

Kagome understood all too well what it meant to want to be with someone that was forbidden. But there just had to be another way.

 

“What would happen if you were defeated?” she asked curiously.

 

Auria wouldn't answer. Even thinking of the possibility was too painful. She would never throw a contest, and she would never be defeated so long as the competition was what it was. Her position was secured, and there was nothing she could do about it.

 

It was Enai that answered for her sister. “If Auria was defeated, she would be proven the weaker, and must submit her position to the other.”

 

“And these contests,” Kagome asked slowly, a plan already beginning to form in her mind, “They don't necessarily have to be physical, do they? They could be based on a skill of some sort?”

 

Auria turned to Kagome curiously. “What is it you are suggesting, miko?”

 

Kagome shrugged. “Well, since I apparently insulted you and Sesshomaru by my little mishap in the arena earlier, that would mean that you have the right to challenge me, right?” She smiled slyly when Auria nodded in the affirmative. “How's your bow arm, Auria?”

 

“Miko,” Auria's voice had deepened, and the soft timbre hardened with a dangerous edge. “You dare challenge me…?”

 

“I do no such thing,” Kagome answered quickly. “I'm just saying that if there's a way for me to pay back my insult against you, then I would gladly do so. Win, and everything is as it was. But…” She purposefully let her eyes move to where Jomon sat, lingering in silence before Auria too turned in understanding.

 

When her eyes fell upon him and she saw his carefree posture as he easily charmed those around him, her mind filled with images; of moments past, and of a future she thought could never be. If only…

 

But it could be done, couldn't it? If the miko was as good as she claimed to be, if her aim was more true…A contest to which power was forfeited to by skill. A clear victor, though not named in blood. Yes, it could be done. And if she lost…If she lost…

 

“He will never allow it.” Enai had seen the look of intense contemplation that had taken over her sister's distant gaze, and she had to speak. Sesshomaru would never allow a human to contest for the rights to be his mate.

 

“He won't care.” It was Kagome who answered. He would allow her this. He had to. “Believe me, I've shot arrows directly at the guy and he hardly batted an eyelash. Besides, it's not like anyone would ever believe I'm vying for his attentions or anything. I mean, it's ridiculous, right?”

 

Enai broke into a light fit of giggles. “Too true, miko!” she panted. “Oh, what a spectacle that would be!”

 

“Yeah,” Kagome murmured as she suddenly found the hands folded in her lap very interesting. “What indeed.”

 

“You have an uncanny knack for staying alive, miko.”

 

Looking up to Auria in confusion, Kagome asked, “Why do you say that?”

 

Auria cleared her throat softly before lifting a perfectly sculpted brow in question. “You shot him?”

 

“Hehe…” A weak, nervous laugh escaped from the young miko. “I would say more like aimed in his general direction.” Seeing that her only response was Auria lifting her brow minutely higher, Kagome looked quickly to Enai to see if she could find any help. She didn't. The younger sister was looking at her as though she had just sprouted a second head. “He caught it!” she said defensively. “And melted it into a little green pile of arrow!”

 

When still she was getting no responses that would be in any way helpful to her, Kagome huffed indignantly and crossed her arms stiffly over her chest. “Whatever,” she mumbled in annoyance. “He deserved it anyways. He tried to melt me with his claws, squash me like some bug under his big fuzzy feet, and then knocked me out cold with one stupid hit just because I was `in his way'.”

 

Of course, that had been so long ago, when they had first met.

 

He was fearsome. His very presence had made her shake where she stood. Feeling that magnificent aura when she had only first known of her powers, it was terrifying. But he was the more terrifying. So cold, so callous, so completely unmovable. And to see him transform, to be confronted by the true presence that lay concealed beneath the image of a god; she had known true fear.

 

Let Naraku have his manipulations, let him have his wicked schemes, his heartless minions, and his precious jewel; he could never provoke fear like Sesshomaru. But then, Naraku felt this fear as well; that was why he sought to manipulate the wrong creature and sealed his fate when it may come. Sesshomaru would not rest. He was a hunter, and a hunter always caught up with their prey. She had no doubts that when the final battle with Naraku came, that he would be there just as she would.

 

But now…Things were different now. They had been for a long time. She was not the frightened child anymore that had been thrown into a world of magic and monsters of which she knew nothing about. She had accepted her duty, learned how to control her powers, fought and battled for a cause she knew was right.

 

She was stronger now. And wiser. She had learned much in her travels, seen many things. Many wonderful things.

 

Sometimes it was painful, but sometimes there were moments when everything was made worthwhile. And some of those moments, she knew, he had given her. Even before she had gone to him on that night she had known it. That feeling of awe when she had looked up and seen that it was he who had slain the poison master before he could take from her what he wanted, the sweet innocence she knew he had preserved when she had first met the girl-child that followed him, and the moment she found she respected he that was her adversary when he brought Inuyasha back from the brink of his demonic rampage for no more reason than to put a stop to its madness.

 

And then he had turned her world upside-down, made her feel things she had never imagined, had never even dreamed.

 

The barest hints of a smile had softened the miko countenance, and Auria had seen it. Curious. This miko, she had offered her help so freely, perhaps just a little too freely. What could she hope to gain by this contest? Was it to gain possession of a weapon? Did she think that she would stand any chance of leaving this place if she turned to treachery? No, it just didn't seem right. This miko was strange, her actions nothing like what she might expect from others of her kind. She had already swayed many into standing for her defense, even some of their most respected Lords.

 

But still it wasn't enough. The miko had been so confident that Sesshomaru would allow for the contest. Why? Surely it could not be something as simple as he having seen her in battle. No, quite the opposite. If he knew her, knew her marksmanship, knew that in such a contest, no matter how skilled she could claim to be with any weapon, that a miko trained by the bow might stand a chance of defeating her; he should be all the more reluctant to allow such a thing.

 

But then Sesshomaru had acted strangely earlier. When he looked at her, it was as though he was seeing her for the first time. And when he had touched her, it was curious. So soft, almost timid; so unlike the hardness she had come to expect from him. After centuries of being denied any kind of acknowledgement from him, why would he choose now to do so?

 

And if, after all this time, he was looking at her with different eyes, then this might be her last chance to escape from her father's edict.

 

There simply wasn't time to second-guess the miko's motives. She would make this challenge. She could only hope that victory would not be hers this day.

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

See? Now, you all just had to know that Kagome's time in the arena hadn't come to an end just yet :) Lol sly little thing isn't she? Taking out the competition and all. It's nice to be able to take that silver bitch down another notch too :P Of course, we haven't seen the last of her just yet. For some reason, she thinks that picking fights with our little Kagome is going to end well for her…heh, I suppose that soon enough I shall have to educate her of her foolery.

 

So much to do! I have no idea how this story got away from me to form such a complex plot, but it seems well worth the time, ne? Besides, so long as I don't go watching any more Shakespeare (that last chapter nearly killed me with all it's poetry! Inspiration can be a bad thing sometimes…though, I have to say I quite like the way it turned out in the end), things should move along relatively smoothly for a bit. *-crosses fingers-* Here's hoping =)

 

Well, I guess that's all for now. Later days.

 

Shadow