Lessons Learned

Author: Shortey 83

Chapter 4 – New developments meet Old wounds

Disclaimer: I do NOT own InuYasha or Skyrim! I only borrow ideas because trying to drill them out of my head with power tools doesn't work! ^.^

Story Start:

The next few weeks passed by in a blur and while Takara hadn't left the village in search of dragons, a few rumors began to circle through the village as travelers passed through of attacks in other areas; Dragon attacks. She had felt herself growing close to InuYasha but that was probably because he reminded her of her brothers. He knew how to push her buttons, but at the same time she always had fun with him and Kagome around. Miroku and Sango were also a big help in her training as well as learning household chores. While she already had some fighting experience with sparring with her brothers, it was nice to practice with someone who wasn't careful not to leave a bruise for fear of her father.

As far as Rin went though, Takara was never happier than when the two of them were together. They spent their time helping Kaede growing and picking herbs and in her spare time they were gathering flowers, playing with Kaos (who had stolen the hearts of all the village women), and at night star gazing until the little girl fell asleep. She was the little sister Takara had always wanted but never had. She was even teaching the little girl a few techniques on self-defense, a little Tai Chi. Poor Miroku and InuYasha got to be her practice dummies. Takara had even met Rin's secret love, Kohaku on one of his rare visits to the village to see Sango. She had also met Shippou the little fox demon on one of his visits. He was quite the little charmer and Takara suspected that he may have a little bit of attraction towards Rin. But then again, who wouldn't? She had an adorable face and the sweetest personality.

According to Rin, it was getting close to the time Sesshomaru would come and visit her. Apparently he came to visit her once a month to bring her a new kimono, comb, or something that she may need. Rin looked forward to his visits.

Takara and Rin had been making their way back into the village for lunch with an armful of flowers for Kagome and Sango when Rin suddenly stopped and gasped. Takara looked to the girl to see what had startled her, but the girl pointed ahead of her. Looking at where her finger excitedly pointed was a white blur moving to land in the village. "Lord Sesshomaru is here!" The girl screamed happily jumping up and down. "Hand me your flowers Rin and I'll carry them back so you can go see him." She offered to the little girl, who hurriedly agreed, quickly handing over the mass of white flowers to Takara and took off down the hill as fast as her little legs could carry her.

Watching her with a laugh, Takara continued her casual stroll down the hill, her arms now full of flowers. While she was eager to meet this 'Lord Sesshomaru' Rin always spoke about, she had heard that he wasn't too fond of humans so it wasn't like their meeting would make too many waves or anything. And so, she kept her steady pace into the village, smelling one of the many white lilies they had picked, all the while her mind wandering to the rumors of dragon attacks and if she would be asked to fight anytime soon. She hoped not.

Upon entering the village, she noticed Rin clinging to a tall man whose silver white hair matched InuYasha's. From behind she could only see his hair and a huge fluffy… thing draped over his shoulder. Rin was rambling excitedly like she usually was to him talking about everything she could think of as fast as she could say it between breaths. Quietly she entered Kaede's hut and dropped off about half of the flowers that she carried and brought the rest outside with her, making her way to a bench beneath an old oak tree to sit. She had walked back behind Sesshomaru since she noticed that InuYasha and Kagome were making their way towards him. She had heard that InuYasha and his brother often got into fights and she didn't want to be in the way when one started so she merely took a seat on the bench and began weaving the flowers together for Rin.

She took the time to look Sesshomaru over and at first glance, her breath caught in her throat. Handsome somehow didn't do him justice. He was a living breathing, demon Adonis. She could make out two magenta stripes on his handsome face and she could also see that his eyes were the same color as InuYasha's. InuYasha and Kagome simply stood there and waited for Rin to finish talking to Sesshomaru or according to Kagome, for him to give Rin a gift, which would quiet the girl for a few minutes. By the time Takara had finished two necklaces and was on to her third, Sesshomaru finally presented Rin with a small comb. She thanked him for about thirty more seconds before she finally ran into the hut to put the comb into her hair or away; whichever she decided.

InuYasha used that time to speak with Sesshomaru about the dragon rumors and if he had heard anything about them, but as soon as Sesshomaru made some comment about InuYasha's being a half demon, did said half demon draw his sword. Not wanting them to fight, least of all in the village, Takara set down her loose flowers and took the crown and necklaces she had made over to InuYasha. Before he could stop her, she draped the flowers around his neck and placed the crown on his head. "Alright, InuYasha, use your deadly flower power!" Takara giggled, patting him on his cheeks. It was then Rin walked out of the hut and started giggling herself. "InuYasha is so pretty!" Takara laughed as she walked back over to the bench and gathered up more flowers and went back to work. "Takara…" InuYasha growled in irritation while the females laughed.

"What? I would seriously run away from you if you came after me looking like that. I would be laughing so hard I wouldn't be able to breathe." She pointed her finger at him "You can most certainly die from laughter." She giggled as she smelled one of the lilies. "Lord Sesshomaru," Rin interrupted the argument "I forgot to tell you! This is my new friend, Takara. Takara, this is Lord Sesshomaru." Looking up to him, Takara smiled at him. "It's nice to meet you, Lord Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru almost lost his composure- almost. The pain the he tried so hard to hold back was now clawing at him at the sight of Rin's new mortal friend. Her long raven hair, beautiful face, and cherry lips clawed at his wounds, but when she looked up and he met her astounding blue eyes, Sesshomaru was nearly brought to his knees. Several centuries and he still couldn't forget the face of the one and only he had ever dared to love. This Takara looked exactly like his Kimiko. When she smiled and spoke to him, he did lose his composure a bit and he couldn't help but stare at her.

Don't drool, don't drool… Takara chanted to herself as Sesshomaru gave her his full attention and those icy eyes peered right into her soul. Demon indeed; it should be a sin to look that good… She watched as a few fleeting emotions flickered in his topaz eyes; surprise, pain, and finally a little bit of rage before the canvas was indeed blank again and he finally just starred… talk about making a girl uncomfortable! She finally lowered her eyes and became intent on making the flower chains again, squirming a bit over his lingering gaze. She wasn't that interesting, was she?

"Are you going to answer me Sesshomaru, or are you just going to stare at the girl all day?" InuYasha blurted out making Takara blush fiercely. Why wouldn't he look away? Then a thought occurred to her. Rin had said that Lord Sesshomaru was protective of her, perhaps he was just analyzing if she was a threat to Rin or not. He must have met some pretty sneaky people to think that a girl making flower chains could be a threat Takara thought before his black boots were right in front of her.

She didn't dare look up at him, and by now her hands had stopped twisting the flowers, resting the strand on her lap while her shaking hands clutched it nervously. Had she done something to offend him earlier? Perhaps that was why he had been paying her so much attention. Then again, perhaps it was the eye contact. He was a dog demon after all.

Takara's mind didn't get to dig up any more possibilities because it froze at the sight of a large, pale, calloused covered hand moving into her view. His hands were large, but what had her frightened were the thick nails like InuYasha's that she knew could become claws in an instant.

One of nails was then under her chin, pressing into the soft spot there, forcing her to look up at him. Just as she was beginning to feel the true pinch of his nail against her soft flesh it was gone as a finger hooked under her chin and his thumb rested just under her bottom lip, holding her where she was. Now there was no escape from his pressing, curious gaze. Curious is good…I think… Takara swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat.

"What's he doing, InuYasha?" she heard Kagome ask the half demon. "How should I know?" He growled back "I hope he doesn't try and kill her though, the entire village is watching him." Sure enough, when Takara glanced around almost all of the familiar faces of the villagers were in her view watching her and Sesshomaru. Her cheeks were heated into a crimson blush as she looked back to him.

"Takara, was it?" Sesshomaru finally spoke. His deep, emotionless voice sending delightful shivers down her spine. "Where are you from?" Taking a breath, Takara hoped her voice didn't shake as badly as she was. "The same place as Kagome- The other side of the well." He seemed to think that over before he spoke again. "Perhaps you should return there. Rin doesn't need any more weak humans watching over her."

In that instant, Takara felt it; the snap of her tightly reigned in temper that rarely showed itself. Who does this ass think he is?!... She thought, standing, and removing his hand from her face and glared at the demon in front of her. If there was one thing that truly made her mad, it was being judged by a complete stranger. She glared at him full on for a minute as a hush had fallen over the village. "'Another weak human' huh? Well, let me tell you something LORD Sesshomaru if there was ever a time I wish I had any powers it would be now. I wish I could time travel." She informed him calmly. "So you could return to your home? A wise choice." He commented, an eyebrow arched at her sudden attitude swing. "Not even close. I'd want to go the other direction and make sure whoever raised you had taught you basic manners and conversation skills." She didn't miss his stunned look as she quickly stepped around him and started to storm off.

"You dare speak to me that way?" Takara heard him growl as she felt him trying to grip her upper arm. Taking her brother's instructions to heart, she caught the demon off guard and grabbed his arm to her tightly before bending and flipping him over her shoulder to land flat on his back, with a shocked expression on his face. "Yes I dare," she told the flabbergasted demon still lying on the ground. "And I will continue to speak to you that way until you learn to keep your rude, egotistical, and uncalled for comments to yourself!" She started to storm off again yelling back over her shoulder "And until you learn the definition of personal space!"

Rin, Kagome, and InuYasha all scattered as she angrily marched their way and headed back to the fields outside the village, stopping to grab her bow and arrows on her way just in case. It wouldn't do to tell Sesshomaru off only to die from being unarmed a few minutes later.

She was fuming! She just wanted to go back and strangle the bastard for saying such things. Finally feeling that she had reached a good spot under a large shaded tree, Takara finally sat down cross legged, trying to reign in her temper. She couldn't stop fidgeting. One of her legs was bouncing up and down rapidly while her finger tapped on the thick cloth bag her bow rested in. It had been a long time since someone had made her mad enough to shake as she sat there literally trembling in rage. The only one who had been brave enough to follow her was currently flat on his stomach doing a slow, and careful belly crawl towards her. Kaos knew she was mad as he crept closer, his ears flat against his head and whining softly.

Taking her bow and arrows out of her bag, she set them to the side and wrapped up the thick bag as a familiar white figure made its way towards her. Sesshomaru was following her and she realized then that she had probably just signed her own death warrant… She had signed and printed her name, but she was so mad that she could scream in frustration… which was exactly what she planned on doing.

She guessed InuYasha, Kagome, and Rin must have been concerned for her safety because they were hot on Sesshomaru's heels. Kagome ran to reach her before Sesshomaru but as they all approached, she held up a finger to all of them, a silent instruction to wait a second, which they did, as she pressed her face to the bag she held and screamed as loud and as long, as she could into it, allowing it to muffle her cry.

"Better?" Kagome asked as soon as she stopped. Takara shook her head and let out another frustrated scream into the fabric. Taking a few deep breaths, Takara finally sat back up, and leaned back against the tree she sat against. "Now I am" She informed her friend not even bothering to glance at the seething demon clad in white who stood before her.

"Woman…" he growled, literally growled, at her. It was hard to keep herself from shivering at the threat in his voice, but she didn't. "LORD Sesshomaru…?" she mocked him, probably not the best thing to do, but once the lid on the volcano of her temper blew, it took a little while to cool back down. He growled lowly. "You should mind your place or I shall remind you of it."

It didn't take her long to get up and get in his face as much as she could, but when she barely reached his collar bones, it was as intimidating as it should have been. "How about I set you straight on a few things that you can't seem to figure out for yourself?" She began, not backing down as he growled at her "First things first; you know nothing about me, so do NOT presume to that you have any say in what I am capable of or not." Her temper was building again, the volcano about to erupt yet again. "Second thing; here is a valuable piece of information for you- you stay away from me and you won't have to worry about me staying away from you. As long as you don't look at me, speak to me, or even acknowledge me until you have something decent to say I will do the same. Third, as long as you have left Rin here she had learned about herbs, plants, and treating illness so I decided to teach her a few things on self-defense since no one else here bothered to do so, and if I can put you on your ass then I have be a half way decent instructor."

She took a few calming breaths "Finally, do you think that I willingly gave up my life in my world just to be here? Let's face it, InuYasha is a pain in the ass that only Kagome has been blessed with the divine powers to put up with him. Do you really think that I haven't tried to go home every day; because I have. I'm not able to go home or I would."

She should have been worried at the red glow that hung around the edge of his molten honey eyes at the beginning of her rant, but luckily for her as she finished on a softer note with him, it faded away and some of the anger in his eyes. He just watched her for a moment more before he looked away and let out a deep breath of his own. "I will be watching you, girl." He said as he turned to walk away. "You may continue to teach Rin."

Oh no he didn't just give me permission to work with Rin! I was going to do that anyways! She fumed. Fine! If he wanted to play childish games then she would play them. After all Takara was the youngest child in her family. She looked over to her friend and winked at her. "Kagome, would you still tell Sesshomaru, since we are apparently still not on speaking terms, that I will do what I wish to do and that I do not require his permission for ANYTHING." She watched him out of the corner of her eye as he stopped and looked back to glare at her. "I can hear you just fine, woman" Takara giggled a little on the inside "Kagome, you may also remind Sesshomaru that my name is Takara, not woman since he seems to have forgotten in the last ten minutes." She crossed her arms over her chest as Sesshomaru stormed away with a comment of "Ridiculous."

She waited until he was nothing more than a white speck in the distance before she let go of the breath she had been holding and fell down on her butt. "I thought I was a goner." InuYasha and Kagome fell over in surprise while Rin giggled. "Lord Sesshomaru must like you," Takara raised a brow at that "How on Earth do you figure that, Rin?" Rin giggled again "It's simple. If anyone else would have spoken and treated him that way, he would have killed them. He must really like you." Takara had a feeling then of being very lucky to be alive.

Once Sesshomaru felt he had made it far enough from the human village, he leaned back against a tree and let out a breath. This girl was most certainly not his Kimiko. She may have looked and smelled just like her, but Kimiko hadn't had half the spirit this Takara had. Kimiko would have never disagreed with him, let alone yell at him and never put him flat on his back. Their similarities were as shocking as their differences. He would have to watch this one from a distance to see how she was when she wasn't mad, or busy throwing insults at him, but first he had another issue to deal with that he hadn't expected to…arise.

He had never had a female give him any such challenge nor one that wouldn't submit to him. He silently begged his cock to behave while trying to hold back his inner demon which was demanding to make the female submit to him. Her defiance had done nothing but make his cock hard since he had been flipped over her shoulder. He hoped she wasn't always so defiant, or else he would have a hard time controlling his Alpha male instincts. This was one challenge Sesshomaru looked forward to, but for now he had to get… himself… under control.