Author's Note: I am so very sorry for that very late update. I'd been really busy. When I returned to this site to read a story, I decided to see when I last update and it was SEVEN months ago!
Chapter XL: Let the Challenges Commence!
Late in the evening hours of the Annual Ball, every guest and their hosts were at the dojo. The anticipation for the duels were astounding. It was like they couldn't wait to see someone nearly killed in a blooding plop. Well, they were youkai, after all. They loved to see violence and blood.
Kagome arrived with her mother-in-law, Inukimi, and her great-grandmother-in-law, Kimiko, before Sesshomaru. She was nervous; not because of the coming duel, but what she was wearing. Oh, she's very conscious of her body. She doesn't like it when males were ogling over it. It made her uncomfortable as hell. No she wasn't nude, but still. No one has looked at her nude body other than Sesshomaru and Inuyasha around the time they first met before they met Yura, the hair youkai. That was embarrassing. She knew that she wasn't nude, but might as well be. The fight kimono, that she has to wear, almost resembled something like a two-piece swimsuit. She had her hair in a french-braid. Of course, she had to show Nanami how to do it before she could do her hair. She would have just put it in a loose bun, but Kagome decide against it. She had no idea why, though. It was just a feeling that she had.
Kagome knew that her opponent was strong. She could see that in her aura. Her aura was dark red as blood and had a tad bit of white on the outside of her aura. She didn't see any darkness in it like she saw in Akuokaesu. She shuddered when she thought about it. It wasn't just him though. It was also his father, Akunokeshin. Those names alone made her shuddered. Why? She has no clue whatsoever. When she met them earlier, something about them just screams: BEWARE OF THEM! THEY'RE DANGEROUS! She couldn't tell her mate anything about how she was feeling because, well, they were never alone. She didn't want to say anything in front of them or any other guest there. She often wondered before dinner was served if Sesshomaru had the same feel. Maybe now, since said youkai just challenged him for her.
She thought, "What a baka? Does he know who he's messing with?"
Kimiko called her. Silence.
"Kagome."
Silence.
"Kagome!"
"Yes?"
"Kagome. you need to focus. Focus on the battle. Also, Sesshomaru and his opponent will be first. Usually, females go first, but I decided that the males should go, first, this year. Also don't be conscious about your body. Your body is beautiful. I know how it is? I was in your place at one time or another whenever some undeserving bitch tried take my mate away from me."
"It's true, daughter, that you have a beautiful body for a human, that is. Usually, youkai males don't whistle or ogle at a human female's body. But on some rare occasions that sometimes a youkai desires a human," Inukimi added with sadness in her voice. "Besides, that bitch doesn't deserve my son, at all. Her and her family has been after the titles of Lord and Lady of the West for centuries. Every time that bastard minor lord offer his daughter to be mated to my son, I simply refuse the offer. They had challenged us for a chance to mate with one of us every other decade or so; thinking that we don't know there devious schemes to take said titles from us. Don't underestimate them, Kagome. They will use dirty tricks to win these type of duels. Akira uses trickery in her battle strategies. She doesn't duel, fairly. She's just like her parents. Sesshomaru never have to fight with their family to know, because they only have a daughter to use to get into our family. They did have a son, but that's another story. My battle advice to you is to watch her movements and counter them."
"Wait! Does anyone oversee the duels to make sure no one cheats and fights fairly?"
"In the past, no,"
said Kimiko. "This time, however, will be different. I will not let no one use trickery of some sort during these duels. When someone wants to challenge a current mate or mate-to-be, they had to clear it with us, first. As head of the counsel, it's my duty, to insure everyone's life from being killed; injured yes, but not killed. Especially, if it concerns with our house. Akuokaesu somehow knew that you were mated to our Lord. Since he's already a lord, we have no issues with him trying to take the throne of the West. Akira, on the other hand, is a different story. If you happened to lose, which I believe you won't, would take the title."
"Whoa, wait a minute! I thought if she wins, that she only have a chance to be mated to Sesshomaru; not be his mate."
"Oh, I see where this may confuse you. If Sesshomaru was still a bachelor, then she could have a chance to mate, but this isn't the case, my dear, since he IS mated. She would immediately replace you as his mate. Unfortunately, He has no choice in the matter; before he mated you, he did."
"Oh Kami, why in seven hells did we mate or even court before this? Did he knew about this?"
"Kagome, of couse, he did. When he became of age to mate, every youkai female in all the lands, flocked here for a chance to mate with him, but he'd never found her until now. She's you, Kagome. Even the court wanted to force a female on him like they did to his mother and father. Both parents refused and after Taisho died, Inukimi still refused to force a mating on him. If I had it my way, Kagome, you won't have to duel with her. I already know how powerful you are. I may be old, but I am not blind. Hell, even if I was blind, I could feel that you are powerful."
"Also, Kagome, you know Sesshomaru won't pick a weak female; rather she were youkai or not. We'd known it. They'd known it. He'd known it. Everyone else had known it. By everyone else, I mean us; the Western Court. Whenever he met you, he knew then and there that you were his future mate. Of course, after what happen with Taisho and Izayoi, we denied it. We refused to acknowledge it. We just didn't want another war within our lands. However, when we realized...by we, I mean, our family; not the court, other nobles, or even our subjects...that you were not only powerful, but you're loyal, loving, caring, compassionate, trustworthy, and the list goes on and on. Regarding this duel, we believe in you, Kagome. We have faith in your abilities and your heart. Sesshomaru believes in you. He also has faith in everything that you do. The real question is: Do you believe or not believe in yourself that you'll win this duel?"
That last statement taken Kagome by surprise. She thought instantly, "Do I believe in myself and my abilities to win this challenge?"
By this time Sesshomaru with his father and Inuyasha came into the dojo. Sesshomaru made eye contact with her and he smiled; oh yes, he smiled; not a smirk, but a smile. Of course, that said smile was replace by his usual stoic, expressionless mask, when he noticed anyone else looking at him. Sesshomaru doesn't smile especially a genuine smile. Kagome knew then and there that that smile was just for her and no one else.
She thought that question again and said, "Yes. Yes, I will win this challenge because no one and I mean no one will take MY mate from me."
Then she saw that bitch, Akira, and Akuokaesu entered. Sesshomaru, instantly noticed them, especially, that bastard, who wanted to take what was HIS.
Sesshomaru gave said opponent a malicious glare, if looks could kill he would be overkill. Akira gave Kagome the same glare, that didn't even fazed her one bit. However, when she gave her the malicious glare, that Sesshomaru would be proud of, Akira shuttered.
Inukimi and Kimiko walked to the middle of the dojo to announce...
"Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the moment that you'd been waiting for all evening: The Challenges; not just one, but two challenges. First challenge will be Lord Sesshomaru vs. Lord Akuokaesu for the right to mate with our Lady Kagome; then it will be our Lady Kagome vs. Lady Akira, the daughter of the minor Lord Kenryokuyoku*, for the right to be the mate of Lord Sesshomaru. Now gentlemen, you know the rules of these challenges, however, I will recall them for those who DO NOT know them. One: NO youkai weapons as in swords, daggers, and etc, are allowed. ONLY USE hand-to-hand combat; two: CAN use your natural abilities as in one's POISON WHIP, one's BLADES OF BLOOD, or whatever one's natural ability would be; last, but not least: these challenges WILL NOT end until one is KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS and absolutely NO KILLING your opponent. Good Luck, gentleman, let the best male win."
Kimiko concluded, "NOW LET THE CHALLENGE COMMENCE!"
Kagome saw her mate and that bastard lord went into the center of the dojo. Then as soon as they got to where they needed to be, a dome-like barrier surround the dojo floor excluding where the audience was sitting to watch.
Kimiko felt that Kagome was confused like why would there be a barrier.
Kimiko answered her unasked question, "The barrier is for our and their protection. It protects us from their attacks if they wished to use their natural abilities. For their protection because of the females who will be aroused to see the males fight. It doesn't matter to them if the said challenge is for them or not. It will be the same when your challenge begins. It will be a lot sexual frustration in both genders. Just watch and see, then you will understand when you see it for yourself."
Kagome nodded. Then suddenly Kagome felt a barrier surrounding her. She asked, "Why's there a barrier around me?"
Inukimi answered, "For your protection, dear. It's to protect you from those females here in the audience. They,especially, Akira, will try to provoke you by attacking you unexpectedly. That's why I wanted to be around you during this time is because of this. They will attack you from anyplace at anywhere at any given time. It's also the same reason why InuTaisho and Inuyasha were walking with my son. You can say that we are your reinforcements when the occasion calls for it. I don't doubt your or my son's ability to protect yourselves, but family protects family no matter they wanted it or not. You and my son are pack. That's all there is to it."
Kagome's heart soared because of what her mother-in-law said to her. It was like a confirmation from her that she accepted her. That really meant something to Kagome because it came from his mother. She knew that Inukimi liked her because of her actions and the way she opened up to her. For some reason, Kagome just wanted to hear what she just heard from her.
Kagome smiled and said, "I understand."
Both...well, actually, the whole Inu family even Sesshomaru smiled at Kagome. That was another good...no great omen for Kagome. She, now, knew that she was pack no matter the outcome of this challenge. She's now family. Family protects and provides for family.
She was honestly worried that they wouldn't accepted her as pack until after her challenge with Akira, but to accept before it; says a lot to her. Now, Kagome can truly focus on her duel against that bitch who's really out for HER title and using HER mate to get said title. That bitch will regret to think about such a thing when she gets done with her.
Just before any females who would try to attack her, Kagome unleashed her aura...her miko aura. By doing so, Kagome heard a lot of gasped coming from the said females, excluding Akira. Even Inukimi and Kimiko had never realized how powerful she really was until now.
Kagome can just feel her mate smirking at her.
Kagome, Sango, Miroku, Inuyasha, Shippo, Rin, Jaken, InuTaisho, Inukimi, and Kimiko were sitting together watching Sesshomaru getting prepared for his duel against the bastard, Akuokaesu. At first, Kagome didn't want Rin and Shippo watching these things, but then she remembered that this was the Feudal Era. They were also used to seeing such gore. Then, again, her era wasn't perfect either with all the evil deeds that had happened; not just in Japan, but all over the world. These 'duels' remind her of those wrestling, boxing, or any martial art competition.
Kagome looked on and was surprised to see a third party inside the dome. There were two of them. One on each side. Yes, this very much remind her of those boxing matches from her birth era. The said third parties were none other than Kouga and Ryutansei.
Kimiko said, "They wanted to be included with this match. They knew that Sesshomaru would kill him if he was left there alone. They told me that they believe that this kumoyoukai is insane for wanting to challenge Sesshomaru. They know how powerful he is. They promised to be neutral with this match knowing that if they interfere with this match would only get themselves in a dire situation. Sesshomaru's beast will believe that they are there to challenge him for you. So they won't interfere with the match unless it warrants it. It will be the same with your duel against Akira. Instead of Kouga and Ryutansei there, it will be Ayame and Joseiryuu."
"So, they are there just to watch and make sure that no one dies."
"Exactly."
Kagome nodded as she watch Sesshomaru. "Oh my goodness, he's sexier than before," she thought to herself she watched him taking off his red cloak. "Oh Kami, he's not wearing his haori and hakama. He's showing more skin in public, too. Oh my, his bare chest and most of his masculine body uncovered. Only thing is covered is his private areas. Good. I don't want these bitches see what's MINE. He doesn't seemed to like other bitches ogling over him like he's a piece of meat. Oh, he looking at me with those apologetic eyes. He knows that I don't like them looking at him." She could only gave in knowing smile. He gave her a slight nod that an outsider wouldn't see it; only his mate would see it.
Sesshomaru knew that Kagome didn't blame him for what he's wearing. If he had it his way, he would wear his usual attire. But noooo, he has to wear this...whatever this is. I mean he knew that his body is masculine perfect. He has no problem showing his body off, but that pleasure only goes to his mate, Kagome; not these power-hungry bitches. He also knew that Kagome would wear something that he won't find acceptable in public, but he knew that it wasn't her fault.
He looked at his opponent in front of him. The opponent was standing there looking at HIS Kagome like she was something to devour. His inner beast was raging. He wanted to rip this bastard apart and savor every minute of it. He heard the bastard trying to coax him into it first. But, he, the Killing Perfection, knew what the baka was up to. Hell, he does that to Inuyasha all the time, even now that he's been resurrected. He honestly missed doing that to him, when he was alive...the first time. He shook his head to start focusing on this bastard who dares to take what was HIS.
Sesshomaru stood for a moment. The baka was still trying to coax him to start. Sesshomaru rolled his eyes. This bastard was the one who challenge him for Kagome. So by all rights, the bastard should start this challenge. Sesshomaru's patience was running thin, but he hasn't lost any of his control.
So, Sesshomaru decided to take action. He moved so fast that no one...well maybe except for his father...could see. Akuokaesu was taken by surprise. Yes, he knew that Sesshomaru was formidable in the ways of the sword, but not hand-to-hand combat. Akuokaesu was no fighter. He was just like his father, Naraku, also known as, Akunokeshin, who used trickery, psychological warfare, and black magic, of course, the Shikon no Tama. when he had it. However, before he had the Shikon Jewel, he could change his appearance and manipulate situations like what happened to Kikyo and Inuyasha. He had them to believe that they betrayed each other.
Akuokaesu found himself losing consciousness along with being poison with Sesshomaru's poison claws. Just as fast it began, it ended.
Akuokaesu was defeated by Sesshomaru.
Oh Kami, Kagome was so happy. She wanted so badly to go to him and give him the most passionate kiss that they hadn't done...yet. But she couldn't because she was next. She knew that it wouldn't last long. Yes, she knew it. She was grateful for it, too. Kagome had a feeling that this wasn't the last time she would see him. It nagged at her. She knew that there something off with this Akuokaesu and his father, who she now realized that he wasn't there. How odd? Would he want to see his son fight and win? If not win, would he want to be there to comfort him? But these male are youkai, though. They really don't feel these emotions...well that's what people thought before. However, she knew better. They do have emotions. They just expression them differently then humans do. Kagome knew that. But she didn't have any sort of sympathy for him, though. The baka brought it on himself. Idiot! He should had known that one could defeat Sesshomaru in a fight.
Sesshomaru looked smug. Oh, he savored his victory as he looked at the pathetic fool, who dare challenge him. He would have spit at him, but refrain from such action.
Of course, Akira wasn't surprise one bit about HER soon-to-be mate. How he quickly started and finished the duel in one swift move. She knew that other females was getting aroused because...oh Kami, she was so aroused. Not only that, she could smell their arousal. However for some odd reason she couldn't smell anything from HIS current mate, but she could feel her miko aura. She had no idea that this bitch was a miko, but she was ignorant to know how powerful that Kagome really was. When she first felt Kagome's miko aura, she was surprise and impressed. She would ever let others to know that though. She faced several mikos before her. Those said mikos were a piece of cake and Kagome couldn't no different.
Now that they finally removed the Southern Lord, Kagome and her opponent walked inside that dome-like barrier. She felt her other barrier faded away. Oh Kagome couldn't wait to kick this bitch's ass to kingdom come and back and back to there again. Oh yes Kagome won't let this power-hungry, gold-digging bitch to put her claws on HER mate. Oh, yes, she was furious, but she remained calm. To be calm was important thing one must do when they're in a fight; no matter of what kind of fight. To be enrage for a human that is...is a BIG NO-NO. Because when one was so angry and can't control said anger, then one doesn't think clearly. She saw a testament to that whenever Inuyasha lost his temper. She shuddered because of that.
As soon as Ayame walked away from Kagome, Akira initiated the challenge...
Moments ago before the females' challenge began...
Sesshomaru and Kagome walked toward each other. They couldn't help, but looked at each other the whole time as they walked. They slightly touch each other on their arms as they passed each other. They looked over their shoulders at each other for a few seconds before they looked back and walked to their predetermine places. If any counsel member, excluding Kimiko, ever seen them even touching each other before and during the time of the challenge until the challenge was over. It would cause dire consequences for the couple. Why? Because during that time they supposed to be 'not mated'. Therefore no touching; no kissing; no hugging; no cuddling; no show of affection whatsoever. Hell, they couldn't even have each other scents on them.
After Kagome looked back she saw Ayame already standing there.
"Kagome, be careful. I don't trust that bitch."
Kagome chuckled and said, "I will and I don't trust her, either."
Ayame smiled and said, "Remember to use your powers against her. Don't be afraid to attack because she won't give it a second thought. She's out to get you, Kagome. I can see it in her eyes. I can, also, see it in her aura, too. If she could, she would kill you."
Kagome smiled and said, "I know, Ayame. Thanks. I also have a feeling that, when this is all over, we will heard from her and her family again."
"Now, go and kick that bitch's ass!"
Kagome smiled as she took off her hooded black cloak. Once she did that, the males started to whistle and howl at her. Both females rolled their eyes. Ayame took her cloak from her. She started to walk away from Kagome, when she heard rapid footsteps coming from the back of them. Ayame suddenly turned around and saw Akira knocked Kagome down on the ground. Akira was kicking the hell out of her, but Joseiryuu intervene before she did any real damage to Kagome. Ayame quickly went to her side and guarded her until Joseiryuu pulled her back. Akira was trying to get pass the ryuyoukai demoness, who was in front of her. The reason for the intervention: Ayame wasn't far enough away from Kagome. Also that Kagome wasn't ready for the challenge.
Kimiko immediately stood up and said, "Akira, you know best not to start the challenge until BOTH parties are ready! Naomi, go heal Kagome!"
"Are you alright, Kagome,"
asked Ayame. "I am sorry, Kagome. I'd never thought that she would go so low. Never before she has done that until now. I'm so sorry Kagome. Please forgive me."
Kagome gave her friend a soft smile and said, "Your sorry? Why are you apologizing to me, Ayame?"
Ayame replied as Naomi began to heal her, "Because Kagome, I was suppose to be there to make sure that she doesn't get to hit you until you were already and..."
Kagome interrputed, "Ayame, as far as I am concern, what she did isn't your fault. You didn't know. I wasn't expecting that. If it's anyone's fault, it would be mine because I shouldn't let my guard down like that. I wouldn't expect her to do that, but now I see why she won all of her challenges. Tck, I'd face her kind before in my birth era. Don't be stress about this, Ayame. Okay?"
Ayame smiled and said, "Alright. Are you better now?"
"A lot better! Thank you, Ayame. Now split so I could kick her ass."
Ayame nodded and ran quickly to her spot where Kouga was standing at moments ago.
"Naomi?"
"Yes, my lady."
"That's enough."
"But, my lady.
" Kagome gave a look that said, 'don't argue with me.' "Alright, good luck, my lady."
"Thanks, Naomi."
Naomi nodded and quickly made her way back to the audience. So she could heal the injuries of Lord Akuokaesu, even though, she felt uncomfortable by doing so.
Joseiryuu waited until Kagome was ready. Kagome nod her head once signaling that she was ready. Once Joseiryuu let go of Akira, she quickly head for Kagome. She made the same move what she did the first time, however, Kagome was ready this time.
When Akira moved in to punch her face, Kagome caught it with her hand. She stared at Akira before she punch her with her own fist that was infused by her miko power. The punch send Akira back to her side of the dojo floor. That made Akira really angry.
"No miko will get the best of me!"
Akira sped to knock Kagome down on the ground to starting choking her. Kagome tried, at first, removed her hands from her delicate throat. Akira quickly started to apply pressure on the throat.
Kagome was starting to panic because all she really expected to do a lot of punching and kicking, which she could do. Then suddenly a flashback enter her mind.
FLASHBACK BEGINS
It was back in her time, sometime, after her and her friends defeated the vile, evil hanyou, Naraku. She wanted to learn how to fight and how to use her miko powers in a battle, instead of just using a bow and arrow to use to defend herself. So, she used her college tuition to pay for classes of all sorts of martial arts. Her grandfather knew of a monk, with reiki, to teach her how to use her reiki in a battle, other than using a bow and arrow. Her mom suggested that she should sign up for self-defense class to learn how to defend herself properly. Her tutor was a woman. The said woman worked with the local authorities. Surprisingly, she was also a yoga instructor. She incorporated yoga with her self-dense classes.
The instructor said, "Remember if you are in a dire situation like say being choked, for instance. Whatever you do, don't panic. I understand that one would be horrified seeing your would be killer choking before eyes. However, when one panics and starts to struggle beneath him, the said attacker will instinctively put more pressure on your throat. So, what does one do? Well, if one is laying down on the ground or bed, you could tried to push him off of you or kick him in his crouch area or you could kick him from behind. Of course, those methods are used in two different situation. For example, if a man...lets say wants to rape you...he would pry your legs apart and force his way inside you. However, before he could go that far, you could kick him using either your foot or your knee. If you are in a situation that your attacker were straddling on top of you on your stomach or beside you, you kick him because he wouldn't be below your waist to choke you. He would be above your waist; so he could apply pressure on your throat better..."
FLASHBACK ENDS
Instantly, Kagome kicked Akira in the back of her head with an infused foot. Then she gave her reiki infused punch on her cheek. Akira screamed in pain while laying on the dojo floor. Kagome used her body weight by using the backward 'seal dance' move to get back on her feet. Kagome went to Akira and got her up by pulling her hair. As soon as she got her up, she knock her back down using the clothes' line move. Kagome picked her up again by her hair, but this time used her reiki within her muscles of her arms to throw the bitch towards the audience. The audience had nothing to fear because of the dome-like barrier, which if those inside the barrier happened to hit the barrier by force. The barrier would shocked the living hell out of you. Akira screamed in pain while Kagome grabbed her by hair and when she hit the barrier.
Kagome was panting and her sweat rolling down all over her body. She needs to end this stupid challenge now before she got too tired. She was sore from the first blows from Akira; plus now using her miko powers were a double whamming to her. She was human after all even being a priestess with reiki. Her body was starting to protest to move.
Akira's body was burning because of the miko's reiki.
She thought, "Damn! I underestimated this human miko- bitch. Never before a miko lasted this long. I have no choice to use my potent poison that I, usually, used for hunting. I used it to blind my prey. Hopefully, it will hit directly in her eyes. I don't doubt my aiming. I'd never miss my target, therefore, I always got my prey. This bitch is my prey."
Suddenly, Akira felt her hair standing up at the back of her neck. She waited until her prey got close. When said prey got close, Akira, quickly, shot her poison directly aimed at Kagome's eyes.
Kagome's eyes were burning when the poison hit her eyes directly. She screamed in agony because of the burning inside her eyes. When said poison hit her eyes, she instantly started to rub her eyes, which in turn made it worse.
Akira slowly got on her feet. She waited for a moment, then she sped and punch her stomach, which in turn she bent down. Akira, then, kicked Kagome in the face, which made her fall on to the dojo floor.
Kagome swore, she heard her ribs and her cheek bone broke. Akira was buying her time before she'll make her final blow. It wouldn't kill her, but it would put her in a coma.
Kagome thought as she stopped rubbing her eyes, while she was laying on her back, "My eyes hurt. They burn like they are on fire."
Kagome opened her eyes. She found that couldn't see.
She thought, "Damn! I can't see! Oh Kami, I am going to lose my mate forever. Oh Sesshomaru, I am so sorry that I failed you."
Kagome turned on to her stomach. She could hear her friends telling her to get up. She turned to the audience. Sesshomaru could feel her distress through their connection. He knew that he couldn't go to her.
He thought, "How could I comfort her if I couldn't get to her? Damn it!"
His beast spoke, "Talk to her! Need to encourage mate not to give up!"
"I know, but how? I can't even speak to her!"
"Baka! Have you forgotten about our hidden talent?"
"What, in seven hells, are you talking about?"
"Our twin, she taught us how to communicate telepathically, when we were pups."
"Oh, that hidden talent. But we hadn't done that in years. Furthermore, we don't know if we could do that."
"Baka! Use our connection with her."
"Watch your tongue, beast!"
"Fine! Whatever! Just do it before we lose our mate, forever!"
"Hm."
Sesshomaru closed his eyes and tried to focus his youki to caress Kagome's aura, however, the barrier was in the way.
He thought, "Damn! The barrier is in the way. I won't loose my mate because of this stupid barrier! However, that barrier resist force, which means I can't go through by force."
He gently went through the barrier. Once his youki went through, he focused his youki and gently and lovingly caressing Kagome's aura. Her aura accepted his youki and then the connection was complete.
Sesshomaru, telepathically, spoke, "Kagome?"
Silence.
"Kagome?"
"Sesshomaru? Is that really you? Or am I hearing voices?"
"Yes, it's really me, your one and only mate."
"Oh, Sesshomaru, I am so sorry that I failed you and your family. I am a pathetic human."
"Don't speak nonsense! You ARE NOT pathetic! I am very proud of you. I am proud to call you, Kagome, MY one and only mate. I have no regrets mating you, none whatsoever, omae. Tell me, omae, what stresses you so?"
"I am blind, Sesshomaru! I can't see anything. That bitch blinded me with her poison. I am so sore, anata. I don't know how much longer I could hold out."
"Listen to me, Kagome. The bitch is buying her time before she makes her move. I'd seen her in battle before, but that poison thing was unexpected. I'd never seen it before. It must to one of her natural abilities. You need to focus on your other senses. Close your eyes and focus on your hearing."
Akira was being impatient to wait for the time of five minutes. Five minutes was the most amount of time allowed before announcing the victor. Akira paced up and down; snarling as she goes. Kagome's supporters were yelling her to get up. Rin and Shippo were crying, especially Rin. She doesn't like Akira. She doesn't want her to be her Lord Sesshomaru's mate.
Her supporters saw that Akira was making her move. They yelled in unison, "Watch out, Kagome! She's coming!"
Sesshomaru spoke to he, telepathically, "She's coming on your left side. Wait for the opportune time. Wait!...Wait!...Now, Kagome, finish her!"
Kagome waited with her eyes closed until Akira picked her up.
"Sweet dreams, miko-bitch!"
Just before Akira made her move, Kagome opened her eyes, then with her hands, she used her reiki to shock her away. Kagome shoved Akira down the floor, then she used her reiki to knock Akira into unconsciousness.
Kagome panted. She looked up at Sesshomaru, as soon as the barrier was brought down, they ran into each other arms.
"Oh, Kami! I thought, for a moment, that I was going to loose you!"
They hugged and kissed each other.
Miroku said as his 'cursed' hand made its way to Sango's bottom, "Aww...they really do love each other. Right, my dear Sango."
Inwardly Sango giggled, but she said as she slapped him, "Hentai!" Miroku touched his cheek and gave a long sigh.
Inuyasha chuckled and said, "Man, he'll never learn. Hey, Kagome, when the hell did you learn how to fight like that?"
Sesshomaru added, "My thoughts, exactly."
"Well, after we defeated Naraku and that I was forced to return to my time, I took some lessons from very well-trained tutors. Now, though, I see that I really need to train. Especially, if that bitch, Akira, will challenge me again."
Inukimi chuckled, "Well, I believe that you won't have to fight with her again."
"Why's that?"
"Because, my daughter, her father won't risk his daughter to be purified. I also believe that he and his family won't even try to take what's OURS."
"Thank Kami. Thank you, all of you, for supporting me in this."
"Keh, Kagome, we're family."
"Yes, my dear, there's no need to thank us because pack-mates support other pack-mates; no matter what,"
added InuTaisho.
Rin and Shippo said in unison, "You did great, mama!"
Rin said, "Would you teach me, mama?"
Kagome smiled, "I would love to teach, Rin."
Rin squealed, that made the inus winced, in delight.
"I want some a lone time with my mate," Sesshomaru said huskily.
Kagome blushed as Inuyasha rolled his eyes while Miroku gave them a lecherous grin. Sesshomaru, in the blind of an eye, took Kagome to their rooms.
Kagome blushed and Sesshomaru chuckled.
"Ever so modest, omae," he said as he nipped on her ear from behind her.
Sesshomaru turned Kagome around. He kissed down her neck to her shoulder. He began taking off her fighting outfit.
He said huskily, "You know, Kagome, when you fought the bitch. I became very, very excited, that I want to strip you down and make sweet love to you. If you think you are sore now, just wait until we'll finish. You won't be able to walk for a week."
Inuyasha (c) Rumiko Takahashi
Fanfiction & OCs (c) ladytari