Foolish Games

Lady Kurama: Okay, you guys can put away the torches and pitched forks and leave me lots of reviews instead. While you’re reading, I’m going to take a couple of cute friends of mine to eat.

Kyela: When you’re done, leave us some reviews and let’s know how we did with this chapter.

Shadow: Happy reading.

LK (To bishounen): So who wants to go the restaurant?

Naruto: I want ramen.

Inuyasha: me too

Luffy: I want meat.

Sesshoumaru: hn.

Gaara: Can I kill someone instead.

LK: (Sweat-drop) Nope. That’s not on the menu.

Sanji: We can stay here and I’ll make you a scrumptious dinner, LK-Chwan.

LK: You cooked so many times for me, so I wanted to give you a break.

Sanji (Sweetly): LK is so thoughtful.

Yusuke (Angry): hey, shitty cook, stay away from my girl.

LK: Alright, we need to go somewhere there’s ramen and lots of meat (Luffy, Naruto and Inuyasha cheered in the background) and that’s fairly easy on my wallet. Okay, let’s go. The Japanese all-you-can-eat buffet is just down the street.

Kyela: This chapter is dedicated to all of LK’s supportive readers and reviewers.

Shadow: Happy reading.

Chapter 16: Battle for Sesshoumaru’s Heart, Part II….

Sango’s and Kagome’s jaws hit the floor. The northern lady had a crush on Sesshoumaru. Kagome ignored the jealousy that flared within her.

“Really, what happened?” Sango asked.

“I remember the first time we saw him. He was so handsome, all tall and regal. We couldn’t help but falling in love with him. We would follow him around trying to impress him and make him notice us.”

“Did he?” Kagome asked.

“No. He was always involved in something. Whether it was his studies or training. His father was very strict about his studies. Whenever we went to visit the western lands, Sesshoumaru had very little time to play with us. After his mother died, he became even more reclusive. He focused on his studies and getting stronger. We wouldn’t see him for months. He was always on some quests for knowledge. One thing for sure though, he always work hard to get to his goals. When his father mated with Inuyasha’s mother, Sesshoumaru was crushed but he never showed it. Once, I stumbled upon him. He was crying.”

“Sesshoumaru? Crying?” Kagome whispered.

“Hai. That was the only time I ever saw him show pain or any emotions for that matter. He was always so composed. Made the rest of us look sloppy. Anyways, Haruka and I liked him a lot. When I was fifteen, I found out that I was betrothed to Sora. My time in the western lands becomes short and soon I was only visiting once a year. I fell in love with Sora and out of love with Sesshoumaru. Of course, Haruka thought I chickened out because Sesshoumaru would never like me it back. She swore to make him hers.”

“So she’s just jealous of Kagome.” Sango added.

“Hai. Kagome had made it to where most demoness only dreams of being.”

“In his castle?” Kagome asked, confused.

“No. His bed.” Miyu smiled.

The days that followed were hard for the Inu-Tachi. Haruka went out of her way to insult them every chance she got. She called them names and telling them that they were inferior to her in every possible way. After the first couple of day, Inuyasha chose to stay and hunt in the woods that stood being the Eastern palace. If he had to listen to one more of her insults, he was going to rip her throat out. Though he did feel sorry for Kagome. Haruka had been very cruel to her. Even though Kagome didn’t say or show it, he knew she was hurt. Especially after Haruka had divulged that she and his half brother used to be an item. Of course Inuyasha knew about it but that was a long time. Way before he met Kikyou and got sealed to the God Tree. He had tried to explain it to her. She had just smiled at him.

What he didn’t understand was why he was defending his bastard of a brother. Why did he care if Kagome left the bastard? It’s not as if he didn’t deserve it. But on the other hand, Inuyasha knew that Kagome loved Sesshoumaru. More than she ever loved him. If they broke up, he knew Kagome would never be the same and neither would his brother. Sesshoumaru must feel something for Kagome to sleep with her. Yeah, he knew they were lovers. He knew the moment he saw after she left with his brother. She reeked of him. He didn’t say anything because he figured it was his own fault that she went to Sesshoumaru in the first place. He had pushed her away too many times. He used to think that no matter what he did Kagome would always be there with him. He didn’t expect her to leave him after she promised to stay by his side. He guessed there so much a person could take and she had forgiven him too many times.

Where he had refrained from saying anything to the panther bitch, Kouga did not. The wolf prince had defended Kagome many times even though she told him to let it go. Inuyasha wasn’t afraid of Haruka. That wasn’t the reason why he didn’t defend his friend. The only thing holding back him was Kagome. She said that she didn’t want to be responsible for a war between Haruka’s brother, Koji, and Sesshoumaru. They needed their alliances and if they did anything to Koji sister, it might not go over too well. He could see where she was coming from but he didn’t like one bit. The bitch needed to be thought a lesson.

SK/SK/SK/SK/SK/SK/\KS\KS\KS\KS\KS\KS

As days went by, life with Haruka became more difficult. Kagome began to pray for Sesshoumaru’s return. Not only because she missed him but also because he could an end to this charade. Haruka knew that Kagome or any of the Inu-Tachi wouldn’t hurt her as long as she was under her brother’s protection. She knew that they wouldn’t jeopardize Sesshoumaru’s alliance with Koji by getting into a fight with her. She knew that and she took full advantage of it. Miyu knew about it but there was so much she could do. Most of the time she was too busy running her castle and making sure that her guests were comfortable and not lacking anything. Kagome and the rest of her friends took hanging outside the palace wall and train. Besides they could use the training. The battle with Naraku was nearing and they needed to use their precious little time they had to prepare themselves.

A couple of days after Haruka’s arrival, Kagome finally received news from Sesshoumaru. It came in the form of an entire army of youkai. Kagome had never seemed so many demons in one place before. They were all armed and ready for battle, reminding her how imminent the battle with Naraku was. She never thought that day would be so soon. After the demon in charge cleared everything with the eastern lord, they left to set camp in the next village which Kagome learn was about an hour away from the palace. Before the leader left, he demanded to meet with Kagome saying that he had direct order from Sesshoumaru-sama and had a missive for her. She took the note from her without missing the nasty look that Haruka through her. Kagome knew she wasn’t helping things but she responded by sticking her tongue and blew a raspberry at Haruka. The army leader, who has identified himself as Hideki, seemed to be taken aback but then he shook his head and chuckled.

The note that Sesshoumaru sent her was quick and to the point. He told her that he had found both Shippo and Rin. They were both safe with Youzen. Youzen was injured when he rescued the children but they had nursed him back to health. Sesshoumaru said that he would leave the children in Jaken’s care at one of small castles. He and Youzen would be returned to the eastern shortly. They were no words of endearments but she wasn’t expecting any, she was just glad her children were safe. She was glad that Sesshoumaru would soon be returning to her. In the short time that she hasn’t seen him, she had missed him terribly. She couldn’t wait to see him. They didn’t have to make love; she just wanted to be with him. Funny, she never felt that way about Inuyasha and she was sure that she was in love with him also.

People’s feelings sure change a lot. Had she heard that someday that she’d be so in love with Inuyasha’s older brother, she’d have dismissed it as mere foolish thought. But here she was waiting for him to come back to her. She smiled to herself and went to tell the news to her friends. She was sure they were worried about Shippo as much as she had been. She was truly relieved that the children were safe.

She made her way through the small clearing that had become the Inu-Tachi meeting ground. The site was that welcome her was one that was both familiar and shocking. Inuyasha was yelling at a young girl that was giving as good as she was getting. She didn’t know what they were arguing about but she could hear the words ‘ears and ‘cute’ from the both of them. Miroku has a resigned look on his face while Sango was barely trying to hold back her laughter.

All Kagome could thing was who was this strange girl and why was she fighting with Inuyasha.

“What’s going here?” She said.

The two stop fighting long enough to turn to her. The newcomer was a young girl. She was just a little shorter than Inuyasha. She was a Kitsune like Shippo. She had long brown hair with strand of honey gold. Her hair was bound on top of her hair in a tight ponytail. A few strand framed her heart-shaped face, bringing out her huge hazel brown eyes. She had a small nose. Her lips were full and lush. Kagome eyed the rest of her. She had a nice build. She had an average bust size with narrow waist and long legs. She was dressed a pink skirt with white top that was hidden under her armor. A pair of daggers was hung at her hips and a bow staff tied to her back. She looked every bit the warrior that she was.

“Who are you?” Kagome asked.

“My name is Raven, princess of the Northern Lands. Daughter of the Northern lord and lady, Yuga and Hitomi.”

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Raven. My name is Kagome.” She introduced herself.

“I’m Sango and this pervert over here is Miroku.” Sango said.

Miroku waved.

“And the one you were arguing with is Inuyasha.” Kagome said.

“Great. Another princess to make our life miserable.” Inuyasha mumbled.

“What was that, you shit faced.”

Before they could go into another argument, Kagome intervened.

“Say, why were you guys fighting anyway?” Kagome asked.

“Nothing really. I just touched his ears and he had a bitchy fit.” Raven explained.

She crossed her arms in front of her. Inuyasha grumbled.

“Yeah, that would do it. He doesn’t like when people touched his ears.” Kagome smiled.

“But they so cute.” Raven said.

Kagome giggled while Inuyasha growled.

“Did you know he purred when you touch his ears?”

Both Sango and Kagome burst out laughing. Inuyasha blushed. Kagome decided to have pity on him and changed the subject. She informed then that Shippo and Rin were safe and that Sesshoumaru would be returning soon.

The day that Sesshoumaru returned proved to be the most interesting day that Kagome had ever since she came to the Eastern Lands. She, Raven and her friends were at the clearing when Haruka came marching in. Neither her or the rest of the Inu-Tachi gave her the time of day. They just glanced at her and returned to their previous conversation. Tired of being ignored, she made a rude comment about them. Used to her behavior by now, they didn’t even flinch. That is until she said something about Raven having a crush on Inuyasha. Both Inuyasha and Raven froze.

“Pathetic really. What could you possibly see in that half…”

Before she could finish her sentence, a silver dagger breezed past her and grazed her cheek. A tickle of blood ran down her cheek before the wound healed itself. Haruka froze before her face scrunched in anger.

“How dare you, little bitch.” She said before she launched toward Raven.

“Tinechor” Kagome said.

A barrier rose at her command.

“What the hell is your problem? We left the castle so we don’t have to put up with your shit but you sought us out anyway. Why can’t you take a hint and leave us the fuck alone.”

Kagome didn’t think she had ever sworn so much in her life but this bitch had finally get on her last nerve.

“You want to know what’s my problem. Well, I’ll tell you. I don’t understand why a powerful lord such as Sesshoumaru would chose a weakling and not to mention ugly ningen like you over someone as beautiful as me.”

“Gee, Haruka. Can you be anymore conceited?” Raven said.

“You don’t deserve to be with him. What could you possibly offer him? You have no lands, not fortune and no family. You don’t even have any power. Just because you’re the guardian of Shikon no Tama, you think you’re all that. Well you’re not. You lowly ningen that can’t do anything right. You can’t even assume responsibility for your actions. It’s your fault that Naraku had amassed so much power. It’s your damn fault because you broke the jewel that you were supposed to be in charge of.”

Kagome hung her head and said nothing. A lot of Haruka said were true but she wasn’t about to give the satisfaction of knowing that she had hit so close to home.

“You bring nothing but shame and disaster. What use could Sesshoumaru possibly have for you?”

“Shut up, you fucking bitch.” Inuyasha said.

“Know your place, half-breed. No one was talking to you.”

“That’s enough.”

Everyone in the clearing turned to the newcomer. It was none other than the western lord. He looked as composed as ever but his honey gold eyes were red with fury.

“Sesshoumaru.” Haruka said.

“That’s enough. I don’t want to hear another from your filthy mouth.”

“But it’s true what I said. That lowly ningen don’t deserve to be with someone like you.”

Before Sesshoumaru could answer, Kagome did. Her head was still lowered and her bang covered her eyes.

“So I’m a lowly ningen, uh? I guess there’s no need to argue with that because that’s what I am. But tell me what do you know about responsibility. You’re the one that’s insulted me and my friends then go hiding under your brother’s protection. And how dare you tell me what I do and don’t deserve. You’re right. I don’t have anything to offer to Sesshoumaru but I never asked anything of him either. Even if he wasn’t the Western lord, I would have loved him just as much as do now.”

Haruka scoffed.

“You love him. How pathetic.”

“You think it’s pathetic to love someone. Well then, why do you keep going after him even after he rejected so many times. You’re sure it’s because I’m a ningen that you’re so pissed off or just because he chose me over you.”

“What would you know about that?”

“Plenty, I assured you.”

“Well then. Why don’t we settle this the old fashion way and see who’s more deserving of Sesshoumaru.”

“If it’s a fight you want. Who am I to decline?”

“Then it’s decided. A battle to the death for Sesshoumaru’s heart.”

“I said that was enough. Kagome has no need to battle with you.” Sesshoumaru intervened.

“Are you sure, Sesshoumaru-sama? Or are you just afraid she might lose?”

Sesshoumaru turned to Kagome.

“Well then, Kagome. Why don’t you show me what you have learned in my absence?”

She was flabbergasted for a minute. Did Sesshoumaru just give her permission to fight Haruka? That changes everything, didn’t eat.

“Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama.”

“Are you crazy, she’ll get kill.” Inuyasha said.

Kouga who had stayed quiet during the whole conversation chose that moment to make his presence known.

“I agree with Inu-Trasha for once. Kagome would be no match for a full blooded-demon like her.”

Haruka crossed her arms under her breast and smiled smugly.

“Thanks guys for your faith in me.”

Both Kouga and Inuyasha had the decency to look ashamed.

“Sorry, Kagome.” They both said.

“So…where are we having this fight?” Raven said, tentatively.

“There is a training ground at the back of the castle. It should be fine for a battle.” Kouga said.

“Shall we?”

Sango shook her head. She couldn’t believe they were being so casual about this. Her friend was in danger. She knew that Kagome has been training with Sesshoumaru and she had spared with her numerous times since they’ve arrived at the eastern. She knew what Kagome was capable and there was no way she could take on a full blooded demon. But Sesshoumaru seemed to think that Kagome could do. Maybe she needed to put more faith into her adopted sister. She watched as the others followed Haruka and Kagome to the battle field. Maybe it was fate or just coincidence but both Haruka’s brother, Koji and the eastern lord, Sora were there. They were both in deep conversation which they put to an end when they noticed they had company.

“Sesshoumaru? I didn’t know you were back. We weren’t expecting until tomorrow.” Sora said.

“Hn.” He responded.

“How was your journey?” Koji asked.

“It was quite fruitful.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“If you don’t mind me asking where you on your way to something. All of you seem to be worried about something.” Sora asked.

“As a matter of fact, we were. Lady Haruka had challenged the Miko Kagome to battle to the death.”

“What?” Koji exploded.

“And what prayed tell is the reason for that.” Sora asked.

“To determine which on is worthy of Sesshoumaru-sama’s heart.” Kouga supplied as an explanation.

“And you allow this?” Koji asked.

“It wasn’t my decision to make. This is between them so let them resolve it.”

“You are aware of the consequences of this battle?” Sora asked.

“I’m well aware of the consequences and fully prepared to accept them.”

“For your sake, I hope you are.” Sora murmured.

“Consequences? What is talking about?” Kagome asked Sesshoumaru.

“Nothing you need to concern yourself with.”

She didn’t like the answer but she accepted it anyway.

“Well then let’s get this over with.”

Sora summoned one of his servants and asked him to have the elders out and the northern lord and the ladies to come out. Kagome didn’t know why they needed this many people just a fight but she didn’t question it. And soon enough, she and Haruka were facing each other on the battle field. The battle field was surrounded by a barrier to keep the audience safe and to keep the fighters in. after all, this was a battle to the death.

“This should be quick.” Haruka said.

“Don’t count on it. I don’t plan on loosing Sesshoumaru to a bitch like you.”

“We’ll see about that when I’m wiping the floor with you.”

Kagome put her arm in front of her and close her eyes. She focused all her energy and thoughts on one thing.

“Tali Tyraer Sai Eisys.” She whispered.

A flash of light and Kagome was dressed in the armor that she was wearing an outfit similar to the one she was wearing after her transformation.

“So, you’re a witch. Not a priestess. No matter, it’d take more than that to defeat me.”

From then on, the battle was on. Katanas clashed against each other and scratches were reciprocated. Both fighters were giving as good as they get. Kagome had to admit that Haruka was strong. She knew that the demoness would be formidable opponent but she seemed to have underestimated her. She also knew that she wouldn’t be able to defeat her if she kept holding back. Kagome didn’t know the extent of her powers so she refrained from using them unless absolute necessary and it would seem that it was necessary now.

She reached for another arrow but came up empty. Haruka charged at her and she barely blocked the attack. Kagome panted for breathe as she struggle to come up with a way to end this battle. She was on the defensive as Haruka unleashed another attack. With back flip, she barely got out of harm’s way.

“Well then, I guess I have no choice. Hopefully I have enough energy left for this attack.”

She raised one hand up and the air and murmured a quick spell. She felt the energy gathered around her as a thousand arrows began forming in thin air. As far as Kagome knew this was her most powerful attack as Ereka. She could remember using it many times but she has no memory of the outcome. She heard the collective gasp from the audience but she didn’t let it deterred her from her goal which was to finish off the panther bitch.

“Syral Eisyrn Val.”

A thousand arrows flew straight to Haruka but Kagome didn’t want to kill the demoness just teach her a lesson. Her arrows were already weak so it didn’t take much to manipulate. They barely grazed her, draining her of her energy. At the end of the light show. Kagome was the last one standing. For a moment, no one moved then the barrier around the battle ground felt. It all came at once. The worried voices of her friends, a concerned Koji about his sister, a protective demon lord who wouldn’t let anyone near her and a cheering Raven. Kagome collapsed in Sesshoumaru’s arms soon after that and lost consciousness.

When she came to, she was being held protectively by her lover. Their eyes met for one brief second.

“How did I do?” she asked.

“Adequate. It was adequate.”

She smiled and let sleep claimed her once again.

Author’s note:

Ky: I have good and bad news. The good news is the Japanese all-you-can-eat buffet wasn’t expensive. The bad news is that we’re not allowed to go back. Luffy, Naruto and Inuyasha ate everything and close down the place. The owner was so shocked; he didn’t even let us pay for the damage that was done to the place.

LK (TT): This is what I get for taking these savages out to dinner.

Shadow: Hope you liked the chapter review. Since LK is down in the dump, some reviews should perk her up.

Shadow and Ky: Goodbye…