Told you it wouldn't take long :) Well at least not as long as the last time...or is it the same length? Okay. Well then let's move on ^^
Disclaimer: I do Not own a thing. This is my imagination and sleep-deprived brain at work
Previously...
Lord Isamu laughed. "To you maybe. But pride is one of the dragon youkais honor, and I just can't let my honor be stained. Even you were like that once, before you took in these humans."
"Lord Sesshomaru, what is he talking about?" Kagome asked looking at the demon lord worriedly.
"Lord Isamu has challenged you to a fight. He wants to protect his so called honor and pride." He replied biting back a growl. He knew the other lord well, which meant this fight would most likely be to the death. He turned to the miko and her blue worried gaze. If she fights him she will surely die.
Chapter 22: Kagome vs Isamu
Lord Isamu watched as she fidgeted. He could smell her anxiety and fear. Pleased by the effect he turned his smirking gaze at the daiyoukai, frowning only slightly at the killing glare the inu-youkai was sending his way.
"You seem displeased," the dragon youkai said with a smirk. "Is she that important to you."
"She is the mother of the inu pup," Sesshomaru replied calmly. "The pup's survival is determined by her own life. I will not permit any harm to either of them."
"So in the end she is just a tool you can't afford to lose."
The inu bit back a growl as his glare intensified. "She is not a tool nor do I treat her as such. She is an asset, and an ally."
Isamu scoffed. "Well your little ally still needs to pay for her disrespect. I am still entitled to my right."
Sesshomaru glanced at Kagome for a moment before replying. "And your condition?"
"To the death."
"Denied." The inu-youkai growled flexing his clawed hand.
Lord Isamu silently laughed. "Fine. I won't kill her. You will decide when we should stop. Let's not drag about either. I want to begin before midday. Do you have any objections?"
"Miko, are you fine with this?" Sesshomaru asked turning slightly in her direction.
Kagome looked at him briefly then to Isamu and nodded. "Yes it's okay."
"Perfect. Well then I will give you some time," Isamu said in a mocking tone. Still smirking he turned away from them and walked back the way he came.
As soon as he was out of sight Kagome let out a heavy sigh. She shifted to the side to glance at Sesshomaru. He was facing forward with a hard glare on his face. 'He must be mad at me.'
"Forgive me." "I'm sorry!"
Kagome stared at him dumbfounded. Did he just.. "I- wah?"
Sesshomaru almost sighed. Was she going to have him repeat himself? There is no way he'll ever do that. "Has your hearing failed you?"
"Um, no. Sorry just a little shock. Why are you apologizing?"
"Why are you?"
"For causing so much trouble."
"When have you been trouble," he inquired turning to her and raising a brow. "Katsurou is a problem that would have eventually arise. And Isamu have always been looking for a way to bring me down. Come now," He said grabbing her wrist gently, pulling her along as he walked away.
"Where are we going?"
"You need to prepare. First we need to get you something appropriate to wear." He said taking her in the direction of the library. Luckily enough Tsume was still inside with the children.
"Lord Sesshomaru. Kagome, I was just about to seek you out. Mizuki is being fussy," the demoness said handing the pup to Kagome.
"Thank you."
"Tsume I need you to find something the miko can move freely in."
"Is something wrong Lord Sesshomaru?" Tsume asked quietly.
"Let her tell you on her own. Go now. I will watch them."
"As you wish." Tsume said ushering the young girl outside. When they had reached Kagome's room, and only after she had fed Mizuki, Tsume decided it was best to ask her questions. "So what happened during the meeting?"
"Well we told them what was happening and told them to be cautious of Naraku and Katsurou's movements. For the most part they listened and are willing to help except Lord Isamu anyway. He didn't even consider taking it into consideration. Not to mention he kept spewing insults. I couldn't take it anymore and snapped at him. But because of that he challenged me to fight as pay back for his wounded pride."
"Is it to the death," the demoness asked worriedly.
"No. Thankfully Lord Sesshomaru opposed to it."
"But you're still worried?"
"I don't trust the fact that Isamu will live up to his part."
"Trust me when I say Lord Sesshomaru trusts him even less," Tsume gestured for her to get up as she help the miko into a fighting kimono. "I'm positive he will be watching you carefully in case Isamu pulls any tricks." She finished placing the kimono on Kagome, which was a short sleeved, knee-length and black and green.
"I know he will. Thank you." Kagome said pulling her hair into a high ponytail. She picked up Mizuki and began walking to the door. "We should go back now. I have a slight hunch Isamu is waiting for me."
A few minutes later Kagome's hunch was proven right. As they walked back into the library they found Sesshomaru in a glaring match with Isamu, while Shippo and Rin shared worried glances. Kagome cleared her throat, bringing the attention of the two demons.
"Ah so I was wrong." Lord Isamu smirked. "Your little miko didn't run away after all."
"Sorry to burst your bubble but I'm not going anywhere."
"Well then shall we begin?" Isamu didn't wait for her to reply. Instead he walked out the door and peered over his shoulder, expecting her to follow.
Sighing in frustration, Kagome handed Mizuki over to Tsume before following the dragon youkai, Sesshomaru and the others closely behind. They got to the courtyard where several youkai guards, Hayate included, and the other two youkai lords were waiting. Kagome nearly groaned in frustration. That's just what she needed, an audience.
"Word travels fast," Hayate said playfully as he walked up to them. His tone turned serious and worried as he handed her a set of arrows and a bow. "Are you sure about this? Lord Isamu is not one that holds back."
"I don't really have much of a choice do I?" Kagome replied anxiously.
The youkai gave her a small smile. "Good luck."
"Thanks." Kagome took a deep breathe before walking toward the center of the courtyard and placing the quiver of arrows on her back. Her opponent was straight across from her, his weapon already drawn. Kagome stared apprehensively at the long-sharp blade of the sword staff. She had to be careful not to get struck by that blade.
Off to the side Sesshomaru was having similar thoughts. He felt nervous and he didn't know why but there was something inside him that was struggling for him to stop the fight. He shook of the feeling as addressed their spectators. "This battle is between Lord Isamu of the eastern lands and the miko, Kagome. This is a fight for honor but it will not be a battle to the death." He gave Isamu a cold glare to show he was serious. "When one opponent has been immobilize the the fight is over. When you two are ready you may begin."
Isamu wasted no time to start. He ran towards Kagome, his blade held straight out. Kagome jump to the side and set an arrow into her bow. She was ready to fire but the youkai quickly moved behind her a sliced downward. She barely dodged it and could feel the blade glide against her back. Isamu was ready to strike again but his blade met with her barrier. Gaining the opportunity, Kagome let her arrow fly through the barrier. The eastern lord moved quickly only to be grazed slightly by the arrow.
Isamu narrowed is eyes dangerously as he felt the blood on his cheek. Growling he charged at her again striking the barrier with so much force not only did the barrier break but the clash of youki and reiki caused for both opponents to fly backwards. Kagome landed on her side but managed to get to her feet. Unfortunately for her Isamu was faster at recovering and was towering over her in a blink of an eye. With a twist of his wrist he turned his blade and swung upwards catching the miko on her right shoulder.
Shock and pain were the only thing her brain could register as she fell to the ground clutching her shoulder. She saw Isamu ready to aim again and rolled away from the blade. Still gripping her bow she sent her reiki through and hit the youkai in the leg. Isamu went down on one knee as the electrifying pain course through his body. Kagome struggled to get back up but the wound was deep and she was losing blood fast. The dragon youkai saw her fall and when she didn't get back up he took the chance to strike her again.
When he was right above her, Kagome rolled over with an arrow notched. By the time Isamu realized what she had done, the arrow had already pierced him in the chest. He was flung back on his back instantly. The onlookers watched in complete silence and awe. The first to move was Sesshomaru as he checked on the young female. She was making soft painful whimpers as he moved her kimono to see the extent of the damage done. Her flesh was torn to the point where her muscle tissue could be seen. The daiyoukai gathered her in his arm and wrapped mokomoko around her for comfort. As he stood Hayate came over to him.
"Lord Isamu isn't moving but he's still alive."
"She must have used a sealing arrow." Sesshomaru commented quietly. He turned to the others in the courtyard. "Seeing as both fighters are unable to move it is a draw. You may get back to your daily duties." He moved away and was heading back inside when Kagome's voice stopped him.
"Wait," was the barely audible whisper. "I have to remove the arrow or he'll be there forever."
"Wouldn't that be a good thing." Sesshomaru said seriously.
"Lord Sesshomaru please."
Sighing he turned back around to the fallen youkai lord and knelt beside him. As Kagome reached out for the arrow the youkai growled at her. "Be quiet or I'll make her leave you here." Sesshomaru threatened. When the eastern lord ceased, the miko grabbed the arrow and pulled it out. Once it was out the inu-youkai stood back up and resumed walking into the castle and to the healer, who instructed him to lay her on one of the beds in the room.
He cringed when the girl cried as he placed her on the bed and unconsciously wiped the tears off her cheek with the back of his hand. When he realized his fingers were lingering on her for too long he pulled away and left the room. Tsume, Hayate, and the children were outside the door, worried looks on each of their faces. "She'll be fine. Just wait for the healer to do her job. It's almost time to eat why don't you all head in first."
"I want to wait for okaa-san." Shippo said sitting by the door his knees pulled toward his chest.
"Me too. I want to eat with Kagome-nee-san," commented before sitting next to the young kitsune.
Tsume was going to protest when Sesshomaru shook his head. "Take Mizuki in. I'll stay with them."
"As you wish." The demoness politely bowed as she left them there with Hayate following soon after.
Sesshomaru sat beside the two children and sighed internally. He'd have to be a good liar if he said he wasn't worried. Truth was when he saw her not moving he panicked, and instinctively went for Tensaiga. He was relieved that she was still alive. Deep inside he knew that he would never want for a time to come when he would need his father's sword to save the miko. Her death would be the last thing he would want to see.
UUGGGHHHHH! So sorry. I know I always have a bunch of excuses for why these take so long. This time I was extremely ill so I couldn't focus on any thing. I don't really have much to say now. I kept battling with myself on how this should turn out. drove me insane. So far I like it... anyway Please review. The next one will be up shortly (I had to fix a few grammar and spelling mistakes :) I feel like every chapter has some.)