InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Angel ❯ The Tournament Part 1 ( Chapter 19 )

Chapter Nineteen:

The Tournament Part 1

 

 

The day was bright and cheerful in the Crescent Arena. The bowl its self was massive, built of a hard material, almost akin to stone and yet harder, sturdier, and to the surprise and delight of the crowd, it was painted in a dark blue. The paint was rich; and unlike many surfaces that were painted, it was not peeling, nor had it faded.

Rows upon rows of the stadium housed thousands upon thousands of spectators, all talking at once, excitement hummed through the atmosphere as the people anxiously awaited the beginning of the tournament.

This was the first time in over a century that a tournament would be held.

In the middle of this open dome sat a huge square shaped structure. Hundreds of neatly cut mini squares of marble were carefully arranged to form a large, pure white marble square. This excited the people even more. The hard battle ground would cause extreme damage to those unfortunate to fall upon it in a high rate of speed. Bloodthirsty, all of them; human and youkai alike.

Only Royalty or Overseers were allowed to participate in this tournament, cutting out more than ninety percent of the males that had traveled to the Western lands to compete. They were in the crowd now, and most of the blood thirst came from the insulted males.

Kagome watched from her royal place above all of the chaos, her stomach twisting.

Seated in a small thrown, layered with soft fur and cushion, it was comfortable and warm in the cool weather. Having the best seat in the arena, she could see everything, and honestly, it sickened her. She didn't want to see this. Males fighting over her, dying over her, there was no need. Gods she felt ill, her breakfast on the verge of making a second of appearance. Her nerves were shot, her hands sweaty and shaky.

If someone died she didn't know what she'd do.

'Get a hold of yourself Kagome,' she thought to herself angrily, `Calm down before you pass out and disgrace yourself,'

Taking a few deep breaths, she calmed herself.

She couldn't afford to panic. Not when the elders were a few feet over, watching her like everyone else here, waiting for her to do something, anything out of the ordinary. When the news had gotten out who she was it had been shocking to say the least. The women secretly applauded her, while the males loudly voiced their outrage, as though she had personally insulted every single one of them in the worst possible way.

It was so stupid to her. She had not done anything wrong, but they treated her as though she was the worse criminal to cross their paths in a long, long time.

Kagome was certain she would not have gotten so much attention if her crime had been murder.

She had certainly caused an uproar in all four of the territories, that was for certain.

Kagome listened with deaf ears as they announced the rules and regulations of the tournament. Ten matches, five winners. No rules. Anything goes. Even death was not illegal. Her palms began to sweat once more, and unease slithered up her spine, threatening to choke off the breath in her lungs.

Again she clamped down on her panic ruthlessly.

As the announcer stepped forward to announce the first match, an excited hush fell over the crowd, everyone straining to hear who would be first to fight. It was almost silent as the announcer took a big breath of air and proclaimed, in a loud, clear voice,

"Match one: Lord Yamiko vs. Overseer Reyukotsai! Combatants, please step forward!"

The crowd cheered as the opponents stepped onto the square marble.

Yamiko was dressed in his best fighting gear. Royal blue in color, his kimono and hakama were covered in thick armor, a sword secured to one lean hip, his hair pulled back from his face, and his flamboyant, flashy, cocky grin placed firmly on his handsome lips.

He painted a gorgeous picture, and the women in the crowd took note of it.

Even with the situation so dire Kagome could not help but laugh at the females reaction to the good-looking young Lord.

A few in particular made her cringe.

They were only a few feet away from her so she could hear their conversation clearly. Their behavior was embarrassing and yet she could not control her amusement at the foolishness of those women.

Three females stood up from their seats, leaning over the security rail, yelling, trying to gain the demon's attention.

One was a tall, voluptuous brunette, with deep blue eyes that followed him lustfully. Another was a black-bluish haired, brown eyed, petite demoness, a fox demoness by the look of her. And last, a short, blonde haired, brown eyed human woman. All were dressed in the garb of a peasant. The material of their cloths looked itchy, dirty and plain uncomfortable.

"Lord Yamiko! You need not fight! Take me!" cried the blonde.

The brunette forcefully elbowed the blonde to the ground and shouted to the demon, waving her arms about, and jumping up and down.

"No my Lord! Take me!"

Suddenly, fingers buried into the woman's hair, and pulled, yanking the woman down to the ground painfully. The brunette cried out as the fox demoness took her down, shoved her away with a kick to the ribs then pulled the top part of her cheap kimono open, exposing her breasts.

Bouncing up and down she cried," Lord Yamiko! Take me! I love you!"

Just like the brunette before her, the fox demoness was taken down by the hair by the blonde.

"Whore!" screamed the blonde, "Lord Yamiko would never fuck the likes of ye! Ye cheap, diseased floozy!"

Standing up again, the fox demoness' eyes were blazing. Breast still out, bare and pale, the woman put her hands on her hips and scuffed angrily.

"Ye are just mad that you are not half the woman I am, ye've no breast, ya dumb ass cow!"

Blonde gasped in outrage, "I have breasts, and I am not a cow!"

Kagome laughed aloud. The blonde had not denied being dumb.

The brunette was up again, but unlike the two women she wasted no words, she tackled the bare breasted fox, fist swinging wildly, battering the demoness. Not to be outdone, the blonde jumped in. Clothes ripped, hair was pulled out, tuffs of black, blonde and brunette floating on the breeze. Angry words were exchanged, as the women battered each other, much to the entertainment of the crowd, who cheered and made bets.

The sad part about it was that Lord Yamiko didn't even spare the three women a glace. Kagome was not fooled though, she could almost see him walking on air, his over inflated ego lifting him off of the ground.

She rolled her eyes.

He was so vain.

Finally, soldiers monitoring the crowd pulled the fighting females apart and removed them from the stadium, much to the displeasure of the crowd. Once the women were removed and the attention of the crowd moved once more to the two combatants in the marble square, the displeasure disappeared, replaced by excited tension.

Reyukotsai stood a ways away from the young demon, angry at the display of women fighting over the handsome male. His thoughts turned angry.

'Fuck him and his handsome fucking face!'

He'd mess him up real good, him and that face of his! If he didn't win this match, fine, as long as he had the chance to fuck that arrogant bastard up.

Reyukotsai was a tall, muscular ogre demon, the exact opposite of Yamiko when it came to looks. His skin was a pasty green color, his teeth a bright yellow, browning and decaying in some areas, his nose crooked and big. It took up most of his freaking face!

Kagome had never seen a nose that big. Long brown, greasy hair was loose and thinning. His eyes were his most beautiful feature though. They were a mix of sky blue and purple. Other than that, he was freaking ugly! And Kagome didn't usually think that way, but what was inside of him was ugly, making his face even uglier. She could tell by the darkening of his aura. She worried about the people he oversaw, the feelings she got from him were cruelty, hatred, and anger.

When this was over, she would look into it, and be sure that the people were well cared for and not suffering from this enraged male.

His cloths were expensive looking, a deep brown kimono and hakama, accented by a black obi; it was another nice thing about him; his taste in clothing. A mean looking, giant one-handed mace was strapped to his back.

"Take your places!" the announcer called.

The two moved forward, standing face to face with each other, five feet apart.

Yamiko looked unworried and confident.

Reyukotsai looked fierce and eager, obviously ready to start the fight.

Perhaps it was Reyukotsai's dark impatient aura that caused his unease, but the announcer wasted no time in beginning the battle.

"Fight!" the announcer said as he hurried out of the way of the two males, dodging the swing of the ogre's mace.

Yamiko dodged as well, nimble body flipping backward, landing gracefully on his booted feet.

"You'll need to do better than that!" he taunted.

The ogre charged him, swinging his mace, the force of it rumbling the stadium ground and bring squeals and shouts of delight from the crowd. Yamiko dodged again, and withdrew his sword.

"What's wrong pretty pup? Why run like a scared pussy? Fight me like a real demon!" Reyukotsai said, an intense expression blazing in his eyes.

Eyebrow twitching Yamiko got into fighting stance.

"Fuck you, ugly!"

The word “ugly” echoed in the mind of Reyukotsai. Anger flared strong and all consuming.

Yamiko wasted no time. Charging, he released a small amount of his energy and sent it flying at the ogre, unaware of the damage his words had cause. As the energy tore into the skin of his chest, the bleeding ogre felt nothing, his rage so great. He charged in a burst of speed and energy, driving the surprised demon Lord into the hard unforgiving marble ground.

Yamiko gritted his teeth in agony. The air pushed from his lungs on impact, excruciating pain shooting through his body. Every limb in his body stinging intensely; a trickle of blood making its way down his lower lip.

What the fuck?

A big meaty fist rocked his skull.

Anger flooded him as well, and with more energy than he intended, but too enraged to restrain it, he smacked the male on top of him, dislocating his jaw, and sending him flying through the air, where he landed hard on the marble floor, his mace falling a few inches away from his hand.

The crowds cheering was deafening, crying out for more blood, more violence.

Eyes flashing between red and yellow with rage, Yamiko could barely think straight. He would dare to strike him in his beautiful face?! He was up and on his feet before the ogre could take a breath, his booted foot choking off the beast's air supply.

"Submit!" Yamiko demanded.

Flashing his fangs in answer, the left side of his jaw hanging from Yamiko's attack, the ogre grabbed his mace and swung, aiming at the demons face, the spikes of the mace finding their target.

Yamiko staggered backwards, hand coming up to cover the injury. Pain erupted on his face, he could feel blood. Lots of it; flowing freely down the front of his face and an intense stinging, a deep burning sensation began.

Poison.

Some type of acidic poison. Blinded from the pain, he didn't have time to dodge as the ogre struck out, knocking him back where he landed hard on the marble floor, leaving him breathless. His sword clattered noisily to the floor next to him.

The crowd gasped.

Before he could recover, the ogre was up; standing over him as he slapped his palms together, and with a fierce battle cry, released his energy in one large burst.

It was a sickening power, making Kagome nauseous and lightheaded. The ground began to rumble, making the crowd cheer with anticipation. Reyukotsai's skin turned black, his face contorting into something hideous. Crackling with energy he stood arrogantly as Yamiko pulled himself off the floor, red eyes blazing, his markings jagged and vicious on his face. His claws sharpening, becoming longer, gleaming pearl white in the sunlight. Energy radiated from his lean body, violent and uncontrolled. Baring his fangs as blood dripped from his face he looked as fierce as the ogre.

Reyukotsai laughed.

"Upset are we, pretty pup? With a messed up face like that I would be too. Are you ready to die now?"

Yamiko smiled.

It wasn't a real smile though, more of a flash of deadly fangs.

"You need not worry for my face, but your own. You're face is no better than shit from an animal's ass. Shitface I believe they call ones such as you," Yamiko sneered, “This wound on my face will heal, and my face will return to it natural perfection, can the same be said for you?”

Rage was palpable on the ogre's face.

“I think not,” Yamiko continued, “You can't cure ugly. But I'm sure you already knew that,”

"Fuck you motherfucker!"

Body shaking with fury, fists clenching, the ogre released the energy he had gathered up into the sky where it stemmed off into four streams of black light. The lights buried into the ground and from the ground ogres arose, as green as the grass they rose from. They looked like Reyukotsai, but more grotesque. Climbing up the sides of the arena, they spit green toxic poison from their mouths.

Saliva dripped from their mouths, their teeth completely black, their eyes were rolled back in their skulls, revealing the red veins on their eyes.

The crowd went wild over the new trick.

Yamiko wrinkled his sensitive nose. They stunk to high hell! What the hell had they been rolling in?

Yamiko laughed.

"Why in the hell would you make more of your ugly ass? You want everyone to lose their breakfast here? Damn. Not only are you ugly, you're fucking stupid too."

Narrowed bluish purple eyes blazed with something akin to hatred.

"We'll see who's ugly when that poison finishes with your face."

Yamiko's lips turned down into a frown.

Dammit, he was right.

The acid was mercilessly burning his flesh. He had to end this and get that shit off his freaking face before it did more damage than it was already doing. He'd be scarred for life. That thought in mind he sprang forward with a vicious growl, scooping up his sword on his way.

The extra ogres attacked, coming at him with one handed maces. He made short work of the mindless beings. Loping off head after head with his sword.

He raced towards Reyukotsai.

He was distracted, trying to control his mindless henchmen.

"Get that bastard!" he yelled at the remainder of the ogres.

It was too late. Throwing his sword at the last clone, the sword embedded into the chest of the remaining ogre, who, like the others before him, screeched and turned to ash, blowing away in the wind.

Face burning; Yamiko could practically taste the other male's death.

His goddamn face!

That bastard had done it on purpose.

He'd kill the bastard!

Outrage roared through him, and his eyes bleed completely red. Without a second thought, his clawed hand reached out, ripping the ogre's throat out, watching in sick satisfaction as the male struggled to breathe. Then his eyes glazed over, and his body relaxed as life left his body, crumbling to the floor, dead as a doorknob. Blood spurted from the open wound, spraying across Yamiko's cloths, ruining the priceless silk, but he noticed nothing. Shaking with rage, he clenched his fists.

His face.

His fucking face! That hideous beast had attacked his face! From the feel of the wounds he knew damn well that it would leave a nasty, visible scar. The poison would see to it that his face was forever ruined. If he could, he'd gut that bastard all over again.

As Yamiko angrily made his way to the infirmary, two soldiers came and removed the body from the battleground, and the announcer made his way back to the center of the giant square.

Kagome was horrified.

Closing her eyes for a moment to compose herself, she took a breath, and in that breath, accepted that this was the way things were done. Pig headed, arrogant men would be pig headed, arrogant men, and that was no fault of her own. She would not torment herself over their own stupidity.

But she would hate every moment of it.

"Winner: Lord Yamiko!" the announcer called out, turning her thoughts back to the tournament.

The crowd erupted into cheers.

"Match two: Lord Sarinji VS. Overseer Estivan! Combatants, please step forward!"

Sarinji stepped forward, more than confident in his ability to win. He was well aware of who his opponent was on a personal level, had trained with the younger male more than a dozen times.

The overseer was an old friend of his. They had met a few years back. Sarinji had been patrolling the lands, and had come across the young man battling bat youkai. Severely beaten and outnumbered, he had decided to help the young man; making short work of the bats and had carried him back to the Eastern lands.

After receiving medical care, the young man was back on his feet.

The two had formed a sort of bond to one another. Almost a father and son relationship.

"Take your places!" commanded the announcer.

Estivan smiled as they walked to position.

"My Lord," he greeted with a respectful nod.

Sarinji inclined his head in acknowledgment.

"Estivan,"

He was a human male, but extraordinarily smart and cunning, able to stand his own against a youkai after his training with Sarinji. Short brown hair, blue eyes and an easy smile, he was quite the ladies man back in the Eastern lands. He wore red fighting garb, gleaming armor and two swords strapped to his back.

It seemed that he had ideas of stepping up from his place as an Overseer to Territory Lord.

Checking to make sure they were in position the announcer waited for the crowd quiet before beginning the match.

"Fight!"

Quick as light, Estivan charged, leaping up to land a high kick. Sarinji blocked it, grasping the younger male's ankle and tried slamming him into the hard marble floor, only to stop short when Estivan wrapped his legs around Sarinji's arm, and flung him to the other side of the square.

Flipping over in mid air, Sarinji landed on his feet.

In a flash Estivan was there again, sending an elbow to his face. A bit caught off guard, Sarinji barely had a chance to block.

Catching his elbow, Sarinji brought his other fist up into the younger male's jaw, careful not to break any bones. Estivan retreated in a series of back flips. But to his surprise, he saw anger in those blue depths.

"What are you doing?" Estivan hissed between his teeth.

"What say you?"

"You are holding back. Why?"

"You need not concern yourself with that."

"You seek to make a fool of me."

Dropping into a fighting stance, Sarinji prepared to attack.

"I know not of what you speak."

Estivan frowned.

He always did this. He was grateful for all Sarinji had done for him; really he was and yes he had come to see the male as something of a father figure but, fuck if the older man didn't treat him like a goddamn child all the time!.

Like a woman.

A fragile little female. And he had had just about enough of that bullshit.

He wanted to be treated like the man that he was. He wanted respect as a man. Not to mention, he wanted to impress the lovely Kagome.

He looked over at the pretty female. He would not mind having such a delicious beauty in his bed, nor would he mind the land and wealth that came with her. Maybe then he'd get Sarinji's respect and get him to see that he was not the average weak human. That he was as strong as any youkai.

It was time to use the new attack he had developed.

He unsheathed both swords and gripped them firmly. Sliding his foot forward, he crouched down, muscles tensing as he waited.

He didn't have to wait long.

Sarinji rushed him, sword in hand, and struck down, aiming for his chest. Estivan blocked with both swords and pushed back, the force of it sending the older male staggering a bit. Quick on his feet, Estivan struck out with both swords, creating a blast on contact.

Shock was evident on Sarinji's face as the skin on his arm was seared and began bleeding. Looking up at Estivan in surprised confusion, he placed a hand over the wound. Even more shocked when he felt the warm stickiness of his own blood. He didn't know what shocked him more; the fact that he was bleeding for the first time in centuries, or that Estivan had been the cause of his injury.

Probably both.

No matter.

He stood straighter, staring the young man down. There was a smug look on his face, challenging even.

Alright.

If this was the way he wanted it. So be it.

Sarinji swept forward, adding a boost of speed into his every step, and backhanded Estivan breaking his jaw in half, wincing as the human male hit the hard marble floor. As he lay there for a while, Sarinji's shadow contorted, and moved away from him. The black spot moved fast, heading towards the opposite side of the marble square.

Estivan could scarcely breathe.

Fuck!

Good Lord that hurt!

Pain was suddenly in his ribs, sharp and unexpected, sending him flying; the blow nearly shattering his ribs. Though it pained him, he got to his feet, blocking another attack from Sarinji with his swords.

Again, the explosion sent the older male flying back.

Estivan straightened. As long as he had his swords in hand, he stood a chance of defeating Sarinji.

His swords had been made by a demon exterminator. The blades, when in contact with demonic energy, caused explosions. He had never told Sarinji about them, and now, he was glad he had kept that piece of information to himself.

But unbeknownst to him Sarinji had already figured that out.

Vicious growls from behind him erupted. Before Estivan could even turn, fangs buried into his arms.

'Shit!'

He had forgotten about Sarinji's shadow wolves.

A sword at his throat drew his attention. Sarinji stood there, sword in hand.

"Submit."

As the blood trickled down his arms from the fangs of the wolves, Estivan smiled. And inclined his head in agreement.

The crowd cheered, as the broadcaster once more came forward.

"Winner: Lord Sarinji!"

The shadow wolves evaporated, and Estivan felt his blood run freely as Sarinji sheathed his sword.

He smiled.

"Finally. This is what I have wanted."

Sarinji nodded.

"I understand Estivan; I had not tried to show such disrespect to you. I have known you since you were but a pup and it is hard to see you as otherwise, even though in human years, you are a man fully grown. Forgive me."

Estivan laughed at that.

'Pup.'

Though he was not a demon, Sarinji called all young males pups. And considering Sarinji's age, he understood why he did so.

"There is not to forgive. I can understand your side as well. I would not be so unfair as to ignore your side of the situation. Had I been in your position, I might have done the same."

Sarinji smiled. That was Estivan alright, ever forgiving, ever understanding.

"Let's get you down to the infirmary."

The crowd still going wild around them, the two walked down to the infirmary together.

"Match three: Lord InuYasha V.S Lord Larinko. Combatants, please step forward!"

Lord Larinko was one of the four Sub Territory Lords. He was the Lord of the Southeast, a small, almost negligible piece of land. As were the other three Sub Territories, which were the Southwest, Northwest, and Northeast. He was well known throughout the whole of Japan, but not for being a Sub Territory Lord.

As InuYasha stepped forward, his eyebrow twitching in agitation as a heated blush made its way to his cheeks.

He looked as though he wanted to be anywhere but in that arena.

Kagome was surprised he had entered at all.

Did he like her in that way?

Did he want to mate her?

She had to admit, the idea wasn't completely abhorrent. He was kind, they understood each other, and she would not mind being mated to him, though they'd have to work on his vocabulary. He was here to try and win her, right?

So why did he look trapped?

Like he didn't want be there.

As Lord Larinko made his way into position, Kagome saw why.

Her eyes widened in immediate comprehension and she burst into a fit of laughter.

InuYasha turned and glared up at the laughing female. Dammit why did this always happen to him? Didn't he suffer enough being a hanyou? Shit! Who ever made these matches was dead when he got done! It was obvious Larinko only wanted Kagome's lands, not her.

Why the fuck should he be allowed to compete?

He'd let a woman like her go to waste!

His right eye joined his right brow in an uncontrollable twitch as his opponent spoke.

"Oh my! Look at you! You have to be the most delicious piece I've ever come across!"

Kagome thought she'd bust a gut, her stomach hurt so badly from laughing. This had to be some kind of sick joke!

Oh Gods this was too much!

InuYasha clenched his fists as the crowd cheered and laughed.

Lord Larinko was dressed in tight pink training garb, his long black hair twisted in a feminine, complex hairstyle, his face was heavily painted in make-up, and when he walked, he twisted and rotated his hips like that of a woman.

He was snake youkai, a bit older than InuYasha, and well known for his desire of males. He looked exactly like what he was. A man impersonating a female.

He looked nothing like a female at all!

The announcer stepped forward once more, barely able to speak from his own laughter.

"Take...” the announcer chuckled, “Take...” once again, laughter stopped his words, “Take your places!" said the announcer as he promptly burst into a fit of laughter.

The two fighters waited for the male to compose himself. Larinko blew a kiss to InuYasha, who flicked him off.

"Anytime baby." Larinko said.

"You bastard!" InuYasha said, so outraged he charged the other male, knocking the announcer out of the marble square where he barely felt the impact and continued to laugh.

He grabbed the male by the throat, and squeezed. But instead of being afraid, the snake laughed and caressed InuYasha's arm.

"You know I like it rough baby!"

Disgusted, InuYasha tossed the male to other side of the square.

"Weeeeeeeeee!" the male cried as he landed gracefully on his feet.

InuYasha trembled with anger. Kagome felt tears rolled down her cheeks, she struggled to breathe. Her face was beat red from laughter. Poor InuYasha!

"Awwww, Yasha baby, won't you be more gentle with me? I don't always like it rough you know."

InuYasha growled.

"Shut the fuck up!"

He charged again and punched the male in the face, smirking in satisfaction when he heard the crack of bones. The male went flying through the air, landing hard on the marble floor.

Larinko lay prone for several moments before sitting up. His hair had come from out of his style and his silk training kimono ripped and dirty.

He looked up at InuYasha with tears in his blue eyes.

"You've ruined my hair! Look at my kimono, it's torn! My face! You'll leave bruises! How dare you treat a woman this way you brute!"

InuYasha was beyond words.

He didn't know what the else to say but, "WHAT IN THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?"

Larinko pouted and stood.

"What is wrong with you? This is no way to speak to a lady!" Larinko said as he placed his hands on his hips, sticking out one of his nonexistent hips in attitude and blowing a strand of hair from in front of his face.

"You're not a fucking LADY!"

Larinko gasped.

"How dare you assault my ear with such blasphemy!" he cried as he rushed InuYasha.

InuYasha tensed, bracing for an attack, but was surprised when he stopped short and stood there, huffing. Reaching out a hand, Larinko slapped him hard across the face.

"I am too a Lady!"

InuYasha growled, face stinging, and grabbed the male by the neck. Consumed by irritation, InuYasha brought his fist back, and unloaded on the male, sending punch after punch at the dangling man, hitting him in the face and gut. Larinko brought his knee up, hitting InuYasha between his legs.

Pain exploded behind his eyes, he couldn't breathe, couldn't think past the pain coursing through his whole body.

InuYasha's teeth clenched. Holding his abused appendage in his hands and crumpling to the ground like a ton of bricks, rocking back and forth, a flurry of curse words streaming from his mouth.

Larinko gasped again.

"I'm sorry Yasha baby! Are you alright?" he question, going to his knees next to the fallen male.

InuYasha was so angry, he couldn't see straight.

When the male came closer, he put all his strength into his fist, forcing back the pain in his lower extremities as he punched the male in the face, sending him flying across the arena and into the guard wall. The stone cracked under the impact.

Larinko was unconscious as he slid to the floor in a heap. InuYasha would have laughed in satisfaction if his cock and balls didn't hurt so much!

“Shit” he muttered.

"Winner: Lord InuYasha!" the announcer said.

InuYasha stayed on the ground, holding himself, trying to recover. The announcer and other males of the crowd seemed to sympathize with the male, for they waited patiently for him to compose himself. It took almost fifteen minutes before he gingerly stood, and limped from the arena, heading to the infirmary.

Meanwhile, two soldiers came and dragged Larinko by the feet down to the infirmary, laughing and making jokes the entire way.

"Match four: Lord Nobunaga V.S Lord Sesshomaru! Combatants, please step forward!"

The crowd erupted in renewed excitement.

"Ohhhh! Lord Sesshomaru is up next!" a woman cried from the stands.

"He's so beautiful!" another one gushed dreamily.

"Lucky bitch, Lord Sesshomaru is going to win this whole tournament, and that whore is going to get him," pouted another.

Sesshomaru approached the arena.

His opponent reluctantly entered as well. Savage satisfaction filled Sesshomaru as the smell of fear and sweat reached his sensitive nose. Nobunaga was a foot or two shorter than Sesshomaru, short black hair and black eyes, his face ruggedly handsome.

His body, at the moment, quaked with fear.

"Take your places!" cried the announcer as the crowd hummed in anticipation.

Nobunaga thought he'd be sick. He was the Lord of the Northwestern lands, he had enough land, and his title was good enough wasn't it? He was in way over his head!

Gods save him!

He could hear his heart pounding in his ears, his body breaking out into a cold sweat as he looked into the amber depths of death. And he knew if he fought Sesshomaru today, he would die, and in a very painful manner. The demon Lord was not known for his mercy, quite the opposite.

He was known for his mercilessness.

He couldn't do this!

"Fight!"

"I forfeit!" Nobunaga cried out in terror.

Sesshomaru raised a brow. The announcer was surprised as well. Even the crowd was silent in shock. Everyone knew it was highly dishonorable to ever forfeit in a competition. Boos erupted, followed by stones and shoes and any other object the crowd could throw at the retreating form of Nobunaga.

Sesshomaru turned and walked away, unconcerned with the male or the crowd, satisfaction radiating through him.

He was never one to turn down a stroke to his well deserved ego.

He locked eyes with Kagome, who returned it with narrowed brown eyes. Very deliberately she turned her face with a humph.

He smirked. She could not deny her time was running out.

Meanwhile, the crowd was extremely dissatisfied. Yelling out obscenities as Nobunaga shamefully made his way from the arena.

"Winner: Lord Sesshomaru!"

Kagome sighed. Gods, she hoped Sesshomaru didn't win this tournament, but she had to admit to herself, it did not look good for her, not if Lord Sesshomaru's opponents were anything like Nobunaga.

"Match Five: Lord Katzunami V.S Lord Marnji! Combatants, please step forward!"

The name instantly grasped her attention. Surely it was not him!

That was impossible!

She searched the field, looking for the combatants. Kagome was shocked to look and see that it was him. Lord Katzunami. Her vision guide. Her heart was pounding. It was impossible! There was no way he could really be here! She had never seen him outside of her visions!

What in the hell was going on around here?

This had to be a coincident! Kagome leaned forward, looking hard at the male, looking for any inconsistency, any sign that this person before her was someone other than who he appeared to be.

But it wasn't.

There he was, in the flesh, about to do battle.

Lord Katzunami knew Kagome watched from her place above. He could feel her shock and confusion. Smiling, he looked up at her. She was more beautiful than in her visions. More real, more enhanced. He had asked a favor of the Gods for the first time in his long life and they had granted it, but with a catch.

If he could get her to fall in love with him before he was called back to his duty, then he would be replaced and would be able to be with Kagome. To be able to love her, live with her, protect her as he wanted. He would not let this chance slip through his fingers.

He would have her.

At the moment, he could only offer her the meager lands he had been able to take over.

The Northwestern lands.

It was the biggest of the four but nothing compared to the main Territory lands. It mattered not; he would have her lands, and then combine it with his own.

"Take your places!" said the announcer.

He had already decided to take his opponent out quick. He wanted to impress her with his skill and strength. Looking over at Marnji he felt no sympathy for the male. He was short, with long brown hair and brown eyes, not very handsome, and seemed very stern.

He shrugged.

Anyone wanting Kagome was his enemy, and he would take down any and every one of his enemies.

"Fight!"

One moment, he was there, the next he was gone. Marnji looked around, confused as to where his opponent had gone.

Suddenly he felt sleepy.

So sleepy, like he had not slept in years, his limbs felt like lead and his vision blurred. And before he knew it, he was drifting off. The crowd cheered as Katzunami reappeared from thin air and looked down at the young human male. He had not stood a chance to someone of his caliber.

"Winner: Katzunami!"

The crowd went wild.

"The first round has been completed, the second round shall commence after a brief intermission!"

~~~~~~~~~~~

She ran as fast as she could.

Her heart was thundering in her ears, driving her to move faster. It was coming after her. Her tired limbs trembled, threatening to collapsed beneath her. Tears stained her face, clouding her vision. It was dark in the damp woods, despite that it was still day. The giant trees were tall and thick, blocking the sunlight.

The ground below her was littered with dead leaves that crunched under her feet.

Behind her she could hear him, growling as he glided over the ground.

He was toying with her.

Playing with her and that terrified her even more. A sob escaped her lips. She knew it was futile to run but could not stop; she wanted to run forever, run away from him, back to the safety of her village.

He appeared in front of her, and she skidded to a stop, falling back hard on her bottom. She crawled away from him, sobbing and shaking her head no.

"Please don't"

The handsome man smiled.

"I cannot help myself. I am sorry little one. If I could change things, I would. But sadly, I cannot and I will no longer deny myself,”

That said, he was on her in a flash, ripping her clothes off.

She screamed and fought him like a mad woman, clawing and biting, punching and kicking, but to her horror, it only excited him more. He wrenched her arms up in one big hand, pulling so hard and viciously he dislocated both shoulders. The sickening crack echoed in his ears, stirring the desire in his blood.

She screamed in pain, tears flowing anew as she thrashed as best she could with her lower body. She felt energy stinging her hands and found that he had let go, but still, she could not move her arms.

He pulled some thing from a pocket on his hakamas that nearly stopped her heart. A wooden stake, sharpened into a sharp point.

Whatever he was going to use it for, she knew it would cause her great pain.

"No! NO! STOP PLEASE!" she screamed, praying someone heard her.

She had no idea what he was going to do with that but she knew it would not be good.

"Hush," he said placing a finger to her lips.

She felt that energy once more at her throat.

She tried to yell at him, screamed but her voice no longer worked. Panic nearly suffocated her. And then his plans with the stake became clearly known as he placed the sharp tip of it in the soft cushion of her hand, and then slammed his fist onto the flat top of it. For the first time, Darla knew pain.

The pampered daughter of a farmer, she had never had to deal with pain and hardship that her family did, refusing to help out with chores. She had had her father wrapped around her little finger. He gave her whatever she wanted, if not, she'd threaten to kill herself. She had been a selfish bitch, and she knew it.

But she didn't deserve this!

The pain was so intense and burning. Her body convulsed and trembled, and she screamed silently. The male above her nuzzled her neck tenderly, almost lovingly. He shifted his cloths, and then she felt something hard probe her.

'Gods no,' she screamed in her mind.

Her body arched as he shoved his hard cock inside of her. Her mouth opened in a silent scream as he thrust in and out, harder and harder with each thrust, pounding against her body as hard as he could.

Her body jerked with the powerful movements, the wood piercing her hands yanked on her flesh with each jarring thrust. She could feel the jagged edges ripping and tearing her skin.

He started biting her, not small nibbles, but huge chunks of skin. Feasting on her; fucking eating her while he raped her! Anger bloomed inside of her, blocking out the pain for just a moment. She pulled on her hands, barely noticing that she ripped a finger clean off, in favor of gripping the stake and stabbing her attacker in the back as hard as she possibly could.

Over and over she stabbed him, fury in every strike.

And to her shock he moaned.

"God yeah, stab me!" he groaned as he pumped his hips harder, faster, tearing her apart.

The scent of blood was so strong it made her lightheaded. She was bleeding down there, she could feel it pooling under her bottom. She raised her arm and stabbed him once more and when he moaned in pleasure once more, she felt hopelessness set in.

Darla knew he would torture her until he tired of her. She couldn't take it, she could not face it. Bringing her arms up as if to embrace him, she made her decision. He smiled at her, thinking she was embracing her.

"You like this pain, don't you ? I know you do, never fear, I plan to hurt you all day."

He said in her ear as he pounded her restlessly. It was a moment before he realized the slight change and by then it was too late. Her head lulled to the side, and her eyes began to dull.

What the fuck?

He knew that look, knew that glazed over look in her eyes. It was the first signs of death.

He had done this a million times, she couldn't be dying already! His eyes narrowed as he forced his hips to stop moving.

"What the fuck did you do?" he hissed at her, grabbing a fist full of her hair.

Her pink lips smiled and she formed the words her voice could not project.

Fuck............You..............

Anger was instant as she died.

That bitch!

How dare she rob him of taking her life? He felt her void her bowls, smelled the putrid fluids pool underneath her, mixing with the blood. Raising a hand he smacked the dead woman around, breaking her neck with a few powerful blows, but still, he felt no satisfaction.

Figures.

He sighed.

His first kill in years and the stupid bimbo decides to screw the whole thing up.

He took his claws and lopped her head off, and as the blood seeped out, he could feel his mood coming back.

Deciding not waste a perfectly good body, he entered her once more pounding into the dead headless body to completion. Pumping his hips as hard as he could, grabbing the bobbing breasts and pinching the nipples as he feed from the cooling body. Blood flooded his mouth, and his balls tightened and with a deep groan, he came.

He groaned in pleasure.

Afterwards, he lay there for a while, recovering, before pulling out of her with a pop. Taking a cloth from his clothes, Ehvil wiped himself clean.

Then he inspected the girl. As he suspected, she had used the stake to slit her wrists.

He shrugged.

Oh well.

He'd be more careful the next time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Laters!

~Sessakag