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Learning to Love	By : Ikaru Category: InuYasha > Het - Male/Female > Sessh?maru/Kagome > Sessh?maru/Kagome Views: 22062 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 3
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha, nor make money from this story.

Chapter List
- 21
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Disclaimer: Me no own, me make no money from this.

Well here it is another chapter, I’m trying my best everyone. This writer’s block of mine isn’t letting up much, I will continue to do my best and hope that you all will continue to keep reading and supporting me. So without further adieu…on with the show!

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Ikaru raised her head and looked at Kagome’s still lowered head. She smiled at the obvious strength hidden beneath the surface of this woman her brother deemed worthy to claim as his mate.

“I suppose I’d better announce this to that mob out there…needless to say they won’t be happy with the news. We’ll discuss the specifics of the battle when I return.” Ikaru bowed her head again and walked out of the office.

“This certainly is a great deal of information to take in my dear, how are you holding up?” Inutaishio said laying a comforting hand on Kagome’s folded ones.

“I’m certain I will be fine milord, but could you explain this battle I am supposed to engage your daughter in? I’m afraid I am still a little confused over this whole mating business.” Kagome said taking comfort in the warmth she felt from his hand on hers.

“Certainly dear, and please in private you may call me Inutaishio, maybe even one day you will also feel comfortable enough to call me Papa like my daughter.” He chuckled at her astonished look and sputterings about formality. “My dear my son has chosen you as his mate; that grants you certain liberties, such as calling me by my name in private. Now just accept it as a fact and I’ll explain some of the details of the fight you will be engaging in with my daughter.” He smiled as he waited for her to accept it all. He didn’t have to wait long before the warrior inside of her rose again and she was looking him in the eye with the cold calculating stare of the seasoned warrior so many demons feared.

“Very well Inutaishio, please begin.” Kagome said.

“Well my dear the first thing you should know is that this battle isn’t usually a battle to the death, though a certain amount of fatalities have occurred during them. The battle has some preexisting set rules; other than the standard rules, new rules are created and agreed upon by the combatants in a meeting before the battle if they so desire, weapons are also decided upon in this meeting as both combatants are required to use the same set of weapons. The winner is decided by whoever is the last one standing. My daughter seems to have confidence in you if she believes you can compete with her.” Inutaishio smiled at Kagome as she fell into thought.

He saw her shifting through her thoughts no doubt sketching out the beginnings of a battle plan. His smile grew, and he couldn’t help but approve of his son’s choice, she didn’t know it yet but he had already accepted her as his new daughter, and he doubted that she would have any trouble with her battle against Ikaru. A draw at least seemed inevitable, his smile turned into a full blown grin when she looked up at him and raised one of her eyebrows at him in question, a perfect imitation of the expression both of his children were fond of sending his way, it was then he knew she would fit perfectly into his little family. Thinking of family he wondered how his daughter was fairing with the mob, he sent a prayer up to the heavens that the cluster of females didn’t set off his daughter’s wicked temper again.

Ikaru made it back to the entrance hall in record time, she ignored the extra three layers of her kimono a servant was waiting by the door with and pushed the doors open herself. She faced the quiet murmur of the mob that quickly fell into silence at her appearance.

“It has been decided that the female that came in with the Prince will battle for the right to be his mate. She has chosen the single competition against the strongest female as her battle option.” Ikaru stopped there and smirked when Kurumi puffed up her chest and started walking confidently toward the front of the crowd. “Her opponent is me.” Kurumi stopped at the bottom of the steps a look of utter confusion crossed her features before anger took its place.

“Milady how is this possible, you have not competed in the dominance competitions for many years, you are also the male in questions blood relative, why should you sully your hands in this sort of battle?” Kurumi said in a voice full of fake concern, her anger still shining brightly in her eyes.

“Are you questioning my strength Kurumi? Do you doubt that I am the strongest among the females gathered here?”Ikaru said not bothering to disguise her ire from the insolent wench standing before her.

“O…Of course not milady, I was merely questioning your willingness to involve yourself in this affair.” Kurumi stuttered

“Know your place wench! You do not have the power to question me, or my motives. Whether I am related to the prince or not does not matter, the laws state nothing about the intention to mate with the male in question, they give the option to the challenger to face the strongest of the eligible females or the gauntlet. She has chosen to face the strongest among us that is all you need to know.” Ikaru locked her gaze on Kurumi, her eyes beginning to show the faintest bit of pink around the rims, and finally Kurumi had enough sense to notice Ikaru’s rising anger.

“My apologies milady…I meant no disrespect.” Kurumi said as she quickly dropped to her knees and bowed to Ikaru. “However milady, it would put all of our minds at ease if you were to show us some of your power since few of those present have had the honor to witness it firsthand.”

“Are you challenging me Kurumi?” Ikaru didn’t bother to hide her deadly smirk, Kurumi didn’t notice it however because she had kept her head bowed.

“If milady needs an opponent to showcase her skills I know of no one batter then myself as I am the current champion of the tournaments.” Kurumi said with a confident edge to her voice as she raised her head and finally caught sight of the look on Ikaru’s face. She felt the blood drain from her face as Ikaru’s smirk widened to a full blown grin, her deadly intent shone brightly in her eyes.

“Then stand Kurumi, I Ikaru Princess of the West accept your challenge. Ladies make a ring for us and you shall witness some of my powers first hand.” Ikaru held back the laugh that was forming as she watched how much paler Kurumi became with each passing second as the women formed the ring. Soon they were standing in the center of about a twenty foot ring, Kurumi had broken out in a cold sweat, Ikaru was standing there trying not to laugh as she motioned for one of the gate guards, Heero, to come and preside over the fight.

“Are you ready Kurumi? One woman has already died here today, we shall see momentarily if you fare any better.” Ikaru chuckled as Kurumi ‘eeped’ as Heero raised then dropped his arm signaling the beginning of the fight.

Kurumi jumped to the side instantly, but Ikaru remained stationary watching as Kurumi circled her and smiled as she spun around and caught Kurumi’s fist. Kurumi howled in rage and then pain as Ikaru broke her hand then threw her away watching as the ring of women pushed her back into the fight.

Kurumi landed on her knees and growled as she pushed herself back up and jumped into another attack, this time her other hand was broken in the same fashion, Ikaru had also swung around and broken her nose. Kurumi was broken and bleeding, and to make matters worse she hadn’t managed to land any blows on the princess. Her vision began to blur as her beast took over, but she never got the chance to let her loose as Ikaru had disappeared then a sharp pain invaded her rage filled mind and a voice cut through the fog.

“You lose, and for your arrogance your life is forfeit. You would never have been worthy enough to become my brothers’ mate you cheating wench.” Ikaru whispered viciously just before she sunk her claws the rest of the way into Kurumi’s neck neatly cutting her spinal column, and dropped her limp body to the ground. Heero stepped forward and grabbed her wrist, then raised it and announced her victory.

“Are you all satisfied now or do you need further proof of my strength?” Ikaru said pulling her hand from Heero’s and motioned for him to return to his post. The crowd remained silent much to Ikaru’s satisfaction. “Good then return to your homes, the battle will take place in two days time, you may all come to witness it if you wish, a formal announcement will be sent out no later than tomorrow.” Ikaru said as she turned and walked away from the corpse. She took the offered towel from one of the guards at the door cleaning her hands as she gave the order to return the bodies of Kurumi and the other fallen woman to their families. She also gave the order to investigate the first woman’s family for treasonous activity.

She reentered the study shortly after that, and almost smiled at the scene. Kagome was doing her best to stay awake as Inutaishio recited the boring poetry he was known to spout from time to time, she had a sudden flash of a memory from long ago of her and her mama listening to that same horrible poetry and her falling asleep in her mama’s lap. She shook off the pang of sadness and strode over to the table effectively stopping the poetry and drawing Kagome from her near sleep state.

“What happened daughter you were gone far too long just to make an announcement?” Inutaishio said his voice laced with concern.

“That’s because I did more than just make the announcement, Kurumi forced me into a fight; needless to say she won’t be a problem any longer. Her body is being returned to her family as we speak. I came back to finalize the conditions of the fight and then see to the child before I escort Kagome to retire for the night.” Ikaru said

“You killed her?! Lady Ikaru what did she do?” Kagome asked shock plainly evident in her voice.

“Ikaru is fine in private Kagome, and as for what she did, she called me out, insulted me and threatened my family, as the victor I chose her ending, she was lucky I was merciful and ended her life quickly.” Ikaru said her face unreadable.

“Kagome dear, Ikaru never ends a life needlessly. If she ended Kurumi’s life then she had good reason to do it. Now if you will excuse me I will be leaving you two ladies to finish your battle negotiations.” Inutaishio smiled and excused himself. As he walked down the hall he too wondered why his daughter ended the girls life, he would have to ask her about it later when he was writing his condolences to her family.

When Ikaru knew her father was far enough away to not be able to hear their conversation, she looked over to Kagome examining her with an even more critical eye. Her color was much better but it was obvious she was becoming tired. She hoped the negotiations would go quickly for both of their sakes.

“Shall we get started? I believe it would be fair if we were both to choose one weapon then agree on a third. Is this acceptable to you?” Ikaru said.

“It sounds fine to me. I wish to use my bow, what do you choose?”Kagome said trying not to show her fatigue. She was exhausted from the trip, and Inutaishio’s poetry certainly hadn’t helped her energy level. She was pleasantly full and wanted little more than to curl up with her mate and take a long nap.

“Very well, it seems fair to say my claws and daggers are similar weapons, so if I wish to use them, daggers are the only plausible weapon I could choose.” Ikaru said and smirked seeing the question on Kagome’s face.

“You’re telling me that natural attributes to you are also considered in this fight?” Kagome said astonished.

“Of course, I also won’t be using my venom techniques, jaki weapons, or even my tail. The rules are absolute on this condition; we can only use our natural strength and the three weapons we agree upon.” Ikaru said

“I see. I have no objections to you using your claws or daggers. May I suggest a katana as the final weapon?” Kagome said

“I see no reason to object to that, so the weapons are decided. Now we must agree upon what should happen if a tie happens to occur. It has not happened in centuries, but should the fight end in a draw you win the right to keep my brother the same as if you won does that seem fair?” Ikaru said.

“That seems like a fair enough prize to me, I truly want nothing else.” Kagome said fighting a yawn.

“I’m pleased with how quickly these negotiations are going, however, we should also discuss your condition.” She said motioning toward Kagome’s womb. Kagome immediately laid her hands over the spot.

“What about my condition?” Kagome asked defensively.

“The child you carry is my brother’s child. I will do anything I am able to do to protect my family even those yet to be born. I will cast a few undetectable spells over your womb, heart and head. They will do nothing to prevent external injuries but they will prevent internal ones to those spots.” Ikaru explained.

“It almost seems like cheating.” Kagome said accusingly.

“The spells are cheating in a way as their predecessors have been forbidden from these sorts of battles almost from the beginning, hence why I said they would be undetectable. The reason why these spells are not quite on the same level as those that have been forbidden is that you can still be injured. They will only fully protect the child and your heart and brain. Any other injuries you will be able to recover from. The spell on your womb will also hide the scent of your pregnancy an essential if you wish to make it to the day of the battle at all.” Ikaru said keeping her expression neutral.

“I’m assuming their predecessors provided complete protection to the one they were cast upon?” Kagome said still looking slightly upset.

“Yes it was impossible to hide the fact that one opponent would be severely injured and the other one would be unharmed. The victor always had the strong scent of magic laced with her aura as well. Because of the unfairness and the rising number of fatalities it was decreed that all such spells would be banned for the safety of all members involved. However, the spells I will cast on you are targeted. You will be injured, all these spells will do is ensure that I will be an aunt in the near future, they will not affect the battle in any way.” Ikaru explained.

“I see…I’m still not comfortable with the idea but if it will protect my baby I am willing to risk it.” Kagome said determinedly.

“The risk is negligible I assure you.” Ikaru said in a voice filled with so much confidence Kagome couldn’t help but be put at ease by it.

“So we are in agreement then. The preparations for the battle are set now?” Kagome said eager to go a visit her daughter and mate.

“Yes the preparations are complete, however there is one more rule I believe my father will likely have forgotten to tell you. You will not be able to see my brother until the battles conclusion. You will also have to stay in my rooms so that I may keep you safe till the fight as my brother will be unable to. He will be kept sedated until after the fight, because if he is not he will interfere and the battle will pointless and have to be redone.” Ikaru said with a frown, she was thinking about what Sesshoumaru would do to her when everything was said and done. Needless to say it wasn’t a pleasant thought.

“I suppose that does make sense, but won’t they find it suspicious that I am staying with the woman I am supposed to fight?” Kagome questioned, looking quite unhappy about spending two nights away from her mate.

“Under normal circumstances, yes, this would raise a great deal of suspicion. However, I have already planned for this. We will never be alone in my chambers, there will always be a chaperone of sorts with us to attest to the fact we aren’t conspiring with each other.” Ikaru said with a chuckle.

“What of my daughter?” Kagome said, hoping fervently that the she would not be banned from her child as well.

“Hanaka will keep her for most of the evening I imagine; she is giving her a thorough examination. She will be returned to you when Hanaka is finished with her. It is only my brother you will be separated from.” Ikaru said almost chuckling at the pout attempting form on Kagome’s face that she was trying to hide. “Will you miss my brother in your bed so terribly little Kagome?” Ikaru teased, and burst out laughing when Kagome’s jaw fell open and she started gaping like a fish out of water. Not able to resist, Ikaru pushed the teasing a little farther to get a rise out of her.

“I knew my brother was good in bed but from your reaction I feel like I have been left out of something wonderful all these years.” Ikaru said with a dreamy overly exaggerated sigh.

“You…you…you have SLEPT with him?” Kagome said anger rising in her voice, her eyes darkening dangerously.

“Yes, since we were children.” Ikaru said nonchalantly. Ikaru raised her hand to hold off the tirade the fuming woman next to her was about to dish out. “There is something you should know about me Kagome as we will be bunkmates for the next two days, I have suffered from extreme night terrors ever since I came to live here as a child. It was not uncommon for Sesshoumaru to come to my bed or me to his to keep the terrors at bay; even then it was not a sure cure.” She gave Kagome a sad smirk as the fire instantly died in her eyes.

“I…I’m sorry, I overreacted.” Kagome said hanging her head.

“It’s nothing I was trying to get a rise out of you anyhow; I purposely led you into it.” Ikaru said with a tired smirk.

“Has anyone ever told you your sense of humor leaves something to be desired?” Kagome said with a dry chuckle.

“Yes well you try going most your life without a decent night’s sleep and see how well your sense of humor holds up?” Ikaru said her own chuckle holding a little more energy than before. “Come it is time we retire to my chambers, I believe that my father’s current mate will be a suitable chaperone for this evening.” Ikaru said helping Kagome to her feet as Kagome fought a large yawn. “And stop that yawning, it’s contagious!” Ikaru laughed as a yawn escaped her as well.

“Yes well it is your father’s fault! His dreadful excuse for poetry totally exhausted me.” Kagome said faking a swoon in Ikaru’s arms.

“Ah you are not the first nor will you be the last to be forced to listen to that drivel, though I must say you survived better than I ever did, I was always asleep halfway through his ludicrous dictations.” Ikaru said laughing while she pulled Kagome back up from her poor excuse of a swoon. For some reason women like themselves just couldn’t pull off a swoon to save their lives. Ikaru just couldn’t figure out why, she wrote it off once again as one of those universal mysteries that could never be solved.

“If you hadn’t come back when you had I would have been.” Kagome said joining in Ikaru’s laughter.

“Before we leave I will cast the protection spells, hold still Kagome this might tickle a little.” Ikaru said sobering instantly as she laid her hands on Kagome’s abdomen on top of the almost unnoticeable swell of her child. She spoke the incantations quickly, putting two incantations over the child; one for the scent and one purely for protection. She then placed one hand over Kagome’s heart and forehead and repeated the protective chant. Kagome laughed a little as the spells set in.

“There done, we won’t be alone after this moment so this is the only time I could cast them. They will stay in place for three days. Once we leave this room it is imperative that you not act like you were pregnant.” Ikaru said sternly.

“Yes of course.” Kagome agreed instantly giving her baby bump one last affectionate rub.

“Good let us leave then, it has been a taxing day for both of us.” Ikaru said smiling tiredly as she led Kagome out of the study and down another set of corridors.

“I do not know how I will ever find my way in this maze in the future without a guide.” Kagome said with a chuckle as they approached a set of double doors with a huge set of wolves carved into them.

“You will learn. When this mating battle business is over I will be glad to teach you the secrets of this maze as you call it.” Ikaru said with a chuckle as they entered the sitting area of Ikaru’s set of rooms. “Wait here while I go and get Izayoi.” Ikaru said while motioning to a mound of pillows by the merrily crackling fire. Kagome nodded and moved toward the fire while Ikaru disappeared back out the doorway.

‘What have I gotten myself into?’ Kagome thought as she stared into the fire and let the warmth it provided seep into her as she sank into plush pillows around her and finally let sleep carry her away in its comforting embrace.

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Well that’s it another chapter on the books. Hope you all enjoyed it!

Questions Comments? Leave me a review and I’ll try to get back with you on them.

Later all!!
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Learning to Love