InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Jump Over the Wall of Freedom ❯ The challenge ( Chapter 30 )

Chapter 30: The challenge

 

 

A/N: Hello dear readers of mine here is the long awaited first confrontation between Sesshy and Naraku. Enjoy the longer chappie.

 

Thank you very much for reviewing:

 

Crinsomdawn365

 

Sychotic

 

Yazoo IS Superior

 

The freak locked in ur closet

 

Sesshkagufan 13

 

ALLheartsOnfraya

 

Inuyasha Baby_bre

 

 

Disclaimer: Did I say I owned Inuyasha? And you believed me? Seriously what a joke…

 

 

“Speaking”

`Thinking'

 

 

Before Sesshomarou had time to direct Kagura to the table, he sensed the one scent he hated the most: Naraku was near. A part of him could not help but rejoice, for the fact that he would finally be able to kill Naraku, but the other part feared, not for him of course but for Kagura. As if to prove his thoughts and worries were right, as soon Kagura felt Naraku, she started trembling, not even Sesshomarou's comfort was enough, she was trembling not because of fear but mostly because of anger.

 

The spider hanyou came right behind Kagura, so that when he opened his mouth to talk she felt his warm breath tickled the back of her neck:

 

“You are looking as beautiful as ever my dear Kagu. I must say pregnancy fits you well”.

 

As soon as she felt him near her, the wind sorceress winced and turned around. Her red eyes were shining with hatred and disgust when she answered “how dare you call me like this?!” Seeing his smile and his smug look was too much for her and she continued “Naraku enjoy your smile because it will be the last one!”

 

“Oh Kagu!” Naraku used the pet name he had given her a long time ago “come on, is this really a threat you are able to back up?”

 

“No, but I am” Sesshomarou said on a voice cold enough to freeze a burning desert.

 

“Oh? So the great dog has come out to play?” Then sending a glare towards Kagura he added with a small chuckle “You know Lord Sesshomarou, I was rather disappointed in you, after all I did not know you had so much taste for my leftovers. I had an excellent steak for dinner tonight , maybe I should have brought you the bones in a doggie bag?”

 

Feeling his inner demon about to come out, Sesshomarou gave Tenseiga to Kagura in order for the barrier to protect her in case things got out of hand and pushed her away from the half demon.

 

He bared his fangs and snarled “you sorry excuse of a hanyou! This Sesshomarou will be your opponent!” Knowing that he unfortunately had to obey Youkai law and issue a challenge before having the ultimate satisfaction of feeling Naraku's blood all over his claws, Sesshomarou closed his eyes and breathed in order to force his inner demon to calm down.

 

He carefully eyed the small group of curious that had gathered around them and said on a loud and cold voice:

 

”I, Sesshomarou Inuyoukai Lord of the Western Lands challenges here present Naraku Kagewaki to a duel to the death”.

 

All the people in attendance heard and could not hold back a collective gasp. Most of the fights that usually break out during the ball would stop as soon as one of the two opponents was disarmed, or as soon as the first blood was shed.

 

Kagura had to fight hard to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall. She as usual was nervously biting her lower lip, but this time had managed to draw blood. Trying to calm herself down and looking for support, she started to rub her belly in circular motions.

 

Looking across from her she saw Inuyasha and Kagome. He had a serious look in his eyes and simply nodded his approval to his older brother, Kagome was as worried as the wind sorceress, but still tried to give her a comforting smile, but it turned out more like a pathetic grimace. In other words, Kagura was far from being appeased.

 

The atmosphere in the ballroom was heavy and everyone was looking simultaneously from Sesshomarou to Naraku, awaiting the spider half demon's answer.

 

But before he could answer the dragon demon and Lord of the Southern Lands Shishinki screamed more than asked “What is the meaning of this? A battle to the death during the Ball?! Such a thing cannot be accepted!”

 

Cutting him off Menoumarou said “actually as long as three of the four Lords permit it, it can be accepted. Since I believe Sesshomarou will vote in favor of it, and adding my own vote it already makes two”. The moth demon eyed his friend and returned the nod Seshomarou gave him.

 

“Well I vote against it!” The dragon demon said, shooting a smug look in Sesshomarou's direction. All eyes then turned towards Kouga, as the final decision would rest I his hands.

 

“Before I make my decision, Sesshomarou I want to know why you want to kill this Naraku guy” Kouga said. Truth be told, just like Inuyasha he found the Youkai Winter Ball unbearably boring, and some action would be more than welcome, especially coming from the ever stoic and reserved dog demon Lord.

 

“Even if this Sesshomarou does not feel like he should explain his action, he will.” Then taking a deep breath and looking at Kagura he said “I hold several grudges against him. First I wish to make him pay for what he did to my mate and unborn pup. Second he deserves to die for daring to threaten my family. Third, this may come as a shock to you, but this half demon is none other than Velvet Spider”.

 

The crowd gasped and started to shout in disbelief and Naraku's smile grew even larger. “Therefore this Sesshomarou wishes to avenge his parents.”

 

Kouga like everyone else had a hard time believing that the vicious murderer and thief was standing just feet from him, but he also knew that Sesshomarou was not the kind of man to accuse people without proof. And since his mate just told him she found Naraku down right creepy, he answered “I give my support to Sesshomarou, after all, all demon must avenge his mate if she gets hurt by another”.

 

At his words Ayame could not help but jump into her mate's arms and exclaim “Oh Kouga, my love, my mate! How romantic!”

 

Seeing their public display of affection, Inuyasha let out a loud “Keh!” and shook his head in unmasked disgust.

 

Most of the people did not notice anything, as they were awaiting Naraku's answer. They all knew he had no choice but to accept, otherwise he would lose his pride, which to a demon was worst than anything. And since he was half demon, which already made him inferior in the eyes of many pure blooded youkai, losing his pride would be the death of him in the demon high society's eyes.

 

The half demon in question laughed whole heartedly and said feigning innocence “I have no idea of what you are talking about, but if you insist I gladly accept your challenge! I hope you're bitch is ready to mourn you and raise your bastard alone.”

 

Sesshomarou almost snapped after hearing Naraku's hateful words. He was ready to seize the hanyou, when his old friend Menoumarou put his hand on his arm and said “then it is settled, the duel to the death will be held right here tonight at twelve o'clock. The rules will be simple: you each will be able to use any weapon of your choice. No intervention what so ever will be allowed.”

 

Seeing the two nod their head in agreement, the older of the Lords smiled added “in the meantime, let's have some fun!” He hen took his mate's arm and led her to the Lords' table.

 

 

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As she looked around the ballroom, Kagura could not help but wonder if all the other guests were really having fun or merely pretending. Music, loud laughter and the sound of silver knives and forks clashing with expansive china were heard around the large room. Everyone was eating, playing or dancing, if it was not the fact that her ex boyfriend and her mate were going to have a battle to the death in two hours Kagura knew she would have had a great time. The mates of the other Lords were charming and kept trying to amuse her or encouraging her to try the fancy dishes served. Needless to say they failed.

 

The ladies were left alone at the table while the Lords went to `discuss things' Sesshomarou explained to her before leaving. He had been gone for a good half hour, and she was wondering when he would come back.

 

As if just to answer her concern Sesshomarou sat down next to Kagura without her noticing. He leaned and whispered to her ear “Are you alright?”

 

“How many times will I have to tell you, don't start me like that you bastard!” she hissed but seeing Sesshomarou's eyes light up in amusement, brought a smile to her lips.

 

She could not help the thought that maybe this was the last time they would smile at each other like this. Seeing her facial expression suddenly change Sesshomarou reached up and with two clawed fingers lifted her chin forced her to look at him straight in the eyes.

 

“Kagura, do you underestimate this Sesshomarou?” In answer to his question the wind sorceress averted his gaze. He sighed deeply and said “My love, I promise you I will get us rid of Naraku tonight. He will not kill me, so stop worrying. Besides you know it is not good for our child”.

 

Kagura blushed slightly as it was the first time he used `my love' while referring to her. His words did appease her but she also knew what Naraku was capable of. But to please Sesshomarou she did manage a small smile.

 

 

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“Just one fucking hour to go” Inuyasha said to Kagome.

 

“You are worried for your brother aren't you?” she asked her husband as she leaned against him. The two were sitting at their table and looking at Sesshomarou and Kagura who were smiling at each other.

 

“Keh! The cold bastard would never let a half demon kill him, so there's nothing to worry about!”

 

“I hope not” Kagome whispered . But she did notice that for once Inuyasha did not scream for her use of the term `brother' instead of `half brother'.

 

 

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“Only thirty minutes left big brother.” The soft voice of Kanna said, as she looked at her older sibling.

 

“Is everything in place?” he asked as he brushed off a piece of lint from his violet velvet suit.

 

“Yes” answered Hakudoushi. He knew that the question was aimed at Kanna, but he wanted Naraku to know that he was also taking care of his assigned duties.

 

The oldest of the three siblings scoffed but asked “Kanna, you still have not heard from Juromarou and Kagemarou?” Seeing her shake her head he added “how peculiar…I bet they also failed. Incapable fools!”

 

The spider half demon then quickly looked over at the Lords' table and saw the worried expression on Kagura's face while Sesshomarou tried to comfort her. Naraku could not hold back the smile that spread over his face, he just loved to see the mix of pain, fear and despair on the wind sorceress' face.

 

 

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The large clock adorning a wall of the ballroom struck twelve o'clock. Everyone felt silent and anxiously awaited for Sesshomarou and Naraku to make their move.

 

At the first of the twelve strokes, Sesshomarou got up, took off his jacket, and turned around and intently looked at Kagura. She tried to smile back but could not find the strength.

 

Not wanting Sesshomarou to worry too much about her and wishing for him to focus on his battle, Kagura sighed deeply before getting up and tenderly kissing him. She was sure that he hated the thought of being kissed in public but at that precise moment she could care less. But to her surprise as they separated Sesshomarou put his hand on her belly and smiled. No words were exchanged between the two, and the demon lord went to the middle of the dance floor where a snickering Naraku was waiting for him.

 

But before Sesshomarou could make it there, he felt a hand on his shoulder. Once he turned around he was surprised to see a serious looking Inuyasha.

 

They looked at each other in silence for a few seconds before Inuyasha said “Keh! Just don't try to show off and finish him fast. And also you better not get yourself killed. I don't want to become Lord of the Western Lands. If I succeeded to you that would mean I'd have to see too much of that mangy wolf!”

 

Knowing Inuyasha was referring to the Four Lords fortnightly meetings, and just imagining his half brother dealing with the stress of the other Lords along with the different problems the country was confronted with brought a half smile to Sesshomarou's lips. He quickly nodded to Kagome who was standing besides her mate before walking towards Naraku once again.

 

As the clock struck for the twelfth time Sesshomarou was looking straight into his opponents' eyes. Naraku had his usual cocky smile plastered on his lips as he said in a tone laced in sarcasm “Finally, I thought you would never make it here Lord Sesshomarou”.

 

“Not everyone is a coward as you are half breed” the demon lord retorted. “Do not be impatient, soon enough this Sesshomarou shall have the pleasure of ridding the world of your disgusting stench” he added loudly cracking the knuckles on his hand to silently signal that he was ready.

 

Naraku's laughter resonated throughout the ball room as he said “my stench? Your bitch didn't seem to mind it. And neither did you, since you jumped in bed with her while she was still drenched in `my stench' due to her carrying my…” the half demon did not have time to finish, as Sesshomarou tried to rip his stomach out with his poison claws.

 

Unfortunately Naraku was faster and managed to barely get away by jumping backwards. A torn shirt was the only damage inflicted on Naraku by Sesshomarou.

 

The half demon chuckled as one of his tentacles erupted from his back. Looking at Sesshomarou with as much hatred as he could muster he said “Is this all you can do? Then it will be easier than I thought. It's my turn now, ready or not here I come!”

 

 

 

 

To be continued…

 

 

 

A/N: I thought finishing the chapter here would be good. Next time the battle will intensify as Naraku retaliates. And finally Naraku's evil plan unfolds so don't miss the next chapter!! Only two or three chapters left! Next chapter will be named, duh… The battle.

 

Don't forget to go check out the second chapter of `Indecent proposal'.