InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Peace Treaty ❯ The Tournament BeginsPart One ( Chapter 31 )

The din at the hastily constructed outdoor arena was intense. A mixture of boastful cheers, shouts of recognition, and excited chatter all competing with each other to be heard, the noise grew as the crowd increased. Every resident had turned out to watch the tournament, save the unlucky guards who were posted to stand sentry at the gates and along the wall. Many of the main Western families had been told of the competition and rushed to the stronghold to lend their support. Even the manor servants, typically separated from the goings on of their betters, were present. There were long lines in front of the bookmakers, those in queue waiting to learn the matchups before placing bets on the outcomes.

 

Kagome and Gina walked together, past the servants and peasants standing on the dead grass, past the throngs of Youkai soldiers vying for a better spot, to the stands where the nobles and officers were seated. The tiered benches were arranged around a large, four-sided platform that was raised several feet off the ground. Kagome felt the familiar excitement and focus that preceded a match. It had been over two years since her last serious one—a fight that she and her opponent barely survived, a fight that was legendary at the Sisterhood and resulted in several changes in an attempt to reduce the brutality. She had spent the majority of the morning stretching and meditating and was now ready and centered for the battle ahead.

 

Gina looked at her friend and grimaced. “So you are really going through with this?” She shook her head disdainfully. “I will never understand those who fight for any reason other than self-preservation.”

 

Kagome smiled sheepishly. “Aren't you going to sit with Lady Seiobo and the Lord General?” she asked as Gina took a seat in the front next to Ayame, who was bouncing a drooling, giggling Ichirou on her knee. The Taiyoukai were congregated on the upper levels, which afforded the most advantageous view. Kagome looked up and saw Sesshoumaru conversing with his father, who could scarcely contain his enthusiasm. The other Taiyoukai were seated according to House, all dressed in their finest, looking regal and imposing.

 

“I need to be close to the…action in case there's an injury that requires immediate attention. These things are always so damned violent,” she muttered darkly. “It will be hard enough for me to sit here and watch you. I don't know how Sesshoumaru will be able to handle it. The instinct to protect a mate is visceral in Inuyoukai males; to think he will have to sit still while you get hit and get hurt, possibly badly…he must be tied to his chair or something.” She sighed and smiled up at Kagome. “Come sit with us before you need to join the other participants.”

 

Kagome, suddenly feeling horribly guilty, took a seat on the other side of Ayame and tickled Ichirou, who chortled happily. “May I?” she asked.

 

Ayame handed over her plump pup as if he were on fire. “This one's going to be trouble. I can tell already. Too much of his father in him.”

 

Kagome watched gurgling Ichirou and, having never seen Kouga with a spit bubble coming out of his mouth, wondered what she meant.

 

“Kouga used to be in these tournaments and win all the time. He had older brothers to emulate after all,” Ayame said. “I have such mixed feelings. When we were courting, I was thrilled at his reckless bravery, his strength. Now I just hope he loses quickly, so I don't have to worry anymore.”

 

“He's an accomplished fighter,” Kagome said, somewhat confused over Ayame's ambivalence.

 

“Oh I know,” Ayame acknowledged, “but all of them are. I just want him to be safe. He's got a pup to think of now.” She frowned. “It'll be hard enough when he goes back on patrol. I hate to even think there might be War again.”

 

Kagome regarded the pup on her lap and shuddered at the notion hostilities returning. Growing up, War was an immutable fact of life, but the peace treaty changed that. She knew the slender threads that held it together would solidify with time, but kayaku threatened to tear them apart. Feeling an unnerving sense of dread, she smiled wanly. “The Houses are doing everything they can to prevent it.”

 

“I know, but I want so badly for Kouga to see his pup grow. The return of War…” She sighed sadly.

 

Gina stood and waved at Azami as she walked past the crowds. “Lady Azami has suddenly become rather popular. She's being courted by both Lord Haruto and Sato's son, Lord Akeno. I think she enjoys the attention of fawning suitors. She's confided to me that her father and Naraku were quite cruel, when they weren't ignoring her. As if that couldn't be assumed.”

 

Kagome gave Ichirou back to his mother and rose when Azami joined them. “Lady Azami, take my seat. I need to go to the other participants.”

 

“Thank you, Lady Kagome,” she said warmly. “And good luck to you. Oh…Lady Kagome, if you happen to get matched with Lord Haruto,” she added with feigned shyness, “don't hit him in the face.”

 

They burst into giggles; Lord Haruto, with his jet black hair and eyes, was stunningly attractive.

 

“I'll make no promises,” Kagome said over her shoulder, as she went to where the other competitors were gathered. She took her place next to Kouga and glanced behind her at the other entrants in the tournament.

 

Kouga followed her eyes. “The two with orange hair are from the North. The Twin Tigers they're called, brothers named Yemon and Kinjiro. I watched them train yesterday. They are both incredibly strong, but a little slow. If I were you I'd pray to be matched with one of them. Your speed would give you the best advantage there.”

 

Kagome watched as they laughed with each other, apparently at ease, and wondered if she could be that lucky.

 

“Next to Lord Haruto is Commander Mizuchi. I only know of the Ryuyoukai by reputation—I've never served with them in battle—but they are known as tough and shrewd warriors. Honestly, I'm surprised Lord Haruto isn't sitting with the other Taiyoukai. His older brother was killed a few years ago in the War, and he's not only the Heir to the House of the South, but the last of that line.”

 

Perhaps he's trying to impress someone, Kagome thought deviously. She looked at the Youkai next to them. Lord Noboru she recognized. Next to him was the largest Youkai, outside bear demons, that she'd ever laid eyes on. “Who's that?” she asked.

 

Kouga snorted a short laugh. “Kenta. A wilting flower, isn't he? Don't let his size fool you. He's as fast and smart as you. I've seen him take on four at once and win. The East and the West have fought together in the War for centuries, and I know them both well. Lord Noboru I've sparred with many times and…my record is mixed. We're pretty evenly matched.”

 

Kagome turned back and thanked him for the information.

 

Kouga looked grim. “Lady Kagome, I feel I should warn you. I think they're planning to take you out of the competition.”

 

“Of course they are. This is a tournament.”

 

“I mean it. Something's going on. Just be careful.”

 

She was unimpressed by his concern. “The point of a fight is to win. I don't expect the others to treat me gently.” He was jabbed playfully by her elbow. “Ichirou has gotten big. Ayame seemed to hint he is a handful.”

 

He smiled proudly. “Nah. He can roll over now, and she's just not used to it yet. Already he's fallen out of bed twice, and we can't put him down anywhere except the floor.”

 

They were interrupted by the hard, heavy beat of ceremonial drums, signaling to the crowd to be quiet. Generals Inutaisho and Suzaku and Lords Seiryu and Byakku climbed the steps onto the platform, facing the competitors. Kagome was impressed anew by their commanding presence, all in military dress, fully armed.

 

“We are here to commence this tournament,” General Inutaisho announced loudly, silencing the drumming. “First the formalities. Pairings will be decided by random draw. Participants will pick tiles, two sets numbered one through four, each number pitted against the like, first round empty-hand. The second round will be fought by the winning number one against two, three versus four. No member of a House will fight a member of the same House unless both achieve the last round. We will start with empty-hand, mid and final rounds by sword. A match ends only when a competitor yields, is deemed unable to continue by at least half of the adjudicators, or is forced off the platform.” General Inutaisho locked eyes with Kagome and grinned. “We have met each other on many occasions for the purpose of contest. This time is unique, marked by the participation of a Ningen, now one of us, symbolizing the peace treaty. Let us acknowledge those lost during the War.” All heads bowed and a reverent hush settled like a shroud on the gathered throng. “The combatants will now come forward.”

 

They walked up the steps, led by Lords Noboru and Haruto, the participants of the highest rank, followed by Kagome, then the rest. The adjudicators, an elderly, senior member of each House, came after, a large bronze bowl held by the hosting Western representative. The contestants each approached and blindly chose a tile from the bowl. Kagome looked at hers. Two.

 

Once all had chosen tiles, General Inutaisho said, “Ones step forward.” Mizuchi and Yemon came up to stand in front of the Taiyoukai, quietly sizing each other up. “Twos.”

 

Kagome was dismayed to find Kenta moving with her. They stood next to each other, alongside the first pair, and she craned her neck to see him staring at her with derision. The pit of Kagome's stomach plummeted when she realized up close he was even bigger than she thought—taller even than Sesshoumaru and twice as wide. Noboru and Kinjiro stood next to them, followed by Haruto and Kouga. “Good!” General Inutaisho shouted after it was determined no House would fight one its own in the first two rounds. “No need to redraw. The first pair will begin shortly!”

 

The drumming started again at a much more frantic pace, and the leaders of the Houses filed down the steps, the participants not holding a number one tile following. The Taiyoukai walked straight to the bookmakers, bypassing the growing lines, as was their right, House loyalty conflicting with reality in consideration of their wagers.

 

Kagome and Kouga retook their seats and looked at each other ominously. She thought she could feel Kenta staring a hole in the back of her head, and searched her mind, all her memories of training and fighting for the best way to approach this match.

 

“I'm…painfully aware that you can handle yourself, Lady Kagome, and Kenta knows Sesshoumaru would kill him in a heartbeat if he hurt you too badly, but it's not too late to cede, you know.”

 

Kagome glared at him with anger and disbelief. “I have never ceded a fight in my life, and I don't plan to start now.” She snuck a quick peak over her shoulder. “He is awfully large,” she admitted ruefully. “I just need to figure out how to come at him. Usually that size suggests a lack of speed, and I utilize quick strikes with great benefit.”

 

Kouga laughed. “No need to remind me,” he said. Sometimes when they sparred he was flat on his ass before he even knew she'd made a move.

 

“But if Kenta is fast, getting close will be dangerous,” Kagome continued, thoughtfully. “If he is able to grab hold of me, he can just fling me off the platform, and there'd be little I could do to prevent it. I need to keep my distance more than I'm used to, but I'm too small comparatively for anything other than close strikes or kicks to do any damage.” She sighed with determination. “I'll just have to be faster than he is.”

 

Their attention was diverted. The four House leaders had placed their bets and were now reseated with the other Taiyoukai. General Inutaisho raised his arm, indicating the beginning of the first fight. The drumming continued and the noise of the crowd increased as the first two competitors bowed in the direction of the Taiyoukai, then to each other.

 

The two Youkai were well-matched in size, but as soon as the fight commenced, it became apparent that their styles differed considerably. Mizuchi favored complex foot work, unleashing a barrage of punches and kicks at the Torayoukai, each alone not doing too much damage individually, but the cumulative effect of the many blows would ultimately weaken and tire the recipient. Yemon however, though not as fast as Mizuchi, was big and patient, staying on the defensive until an opening presented itself.

 

Kagome tried to watch the match, knowing that if she made it past Kenta, she'd be fighting the victor and the more she could analyze a potential opponent's strengths and weaknesses, the better she could prepare herself. But all she could think about was Kenta and his size and the way he had looked down at her, almost ridiculing her much smaller stature.

 

The longer the fight lasted, the more the throng cheered and jeered, bets constantly exchanged. Yemon waited, absorbing blows, then made his move. Mizuchi had just regained his footing after a glancing blow, and Yemon hit hard, catching the him off guard, making him stumble. A powerful side kick to the abdomen laid Mizuchi flat, and the adjudicators unanimously declared the semi-conscious Ryouyoukai unable to continue. Yemon lifted his arms in triumph, then bowed respectfully to the Taiyoukai and left the platform, followed by Mizuchi, helped by Gina, who was attending and shaking her head with disgust.

 

Kagome suddenly startled, coming to her senses. It was her turn. She rose slowly, looking toward Sesshoumaru, who watched her with an intangible expression. The walk to the steps up the platform seemed to take forever, as the roar of the crowd became deafening, though Kagome was completely oblivious. She was focused only on her opponent, standing like a quiet mountain, still and imposing, at the foot of the steps, deferring to her right, as the mate of a Taiyoukai, to walk before him. Swallowing her doubt and squaring her shoulders, she took the steps deliberately, refusing to be intimidated.

 

They stood in the center of the platform, three yards apart, scrutinizing one another cannily.

 

Kenta smirked. He watched when she had drawn a tile, taking note which was her dominant side, and planned accordingly. He took pains to never underestimate an opponent and recognized power in the Ningen woman, but was certain he could take her. She was utterly dwarfed by him, and he knew that with one firm grip on an upper arm, he could throw her off the platform effortlessly. He would focus on her right side, as Noboru wished, though it was unnecessary. He had no intentions of letting her make it to the second round.

 

Kagome forced herself to stay calm, mind abuzz with her strategic options. Because his much greater height would make it difficult for him to reach her if she stayed low, that was probably her best chance. Unfortunately it also limited her method of attack. She hated to think that she would be fighting defensively so much, but her only choice was to evade him then rely on speed to strike. Her lower body was far stronger, so her offensive moves would primarily be kicks, but kick where, she fretted. She barely came to his chest, putting his head all but out of reach, and even if she managed to land a blow, how much damage could it possibly do to someone his size?

 

They bowed, first to the Taiyoukai seated high in the stands, then to each other. Kagome set her stance, right foot forward, bent knees, staying light on her feet. Kenta immediately charged, assailing with a double front kick, which Kagome easily eluded. Too easily. She knew he was testing her.

 

He came at her again, more aggressively this time, with a strong punch, high kick combination, but Kagome kept her defense soft, redirecting his force, upsetting his balance enough that she was able to quickly close in and drive her fist into a vulnerable underarm pressure point, follow up with a knee that didn't quite reach his floating rib on the exposed side, then spring out of the way.

 

Grinning poisonously at her, shaking some feeling back into his numb upper arm, Kenta realized this would not at all be as easy as he originally surmised. “Little scamp.” Time to concentrate on her right arm. Victory was not assured.

 

Their dance continued, but Kenta was a quick learner. Kagome felt that he had adjusted his technique and wasn't using as much force, removing a great deal of her ability to use his own energy against him. She was impressed by his patience, usually an opponent would be getting frustrated by her agility, but something confused her. He seemed to be focusing all his efforts on attacking her right side, her stronger side. It would make more sense to concentrate on her weaker spots. Blows rained down on her right arm, many connecting, and pain began to take root and flower.

 

He rushed at her again. The roundhouse kick was off target, and she suspected he was tiring. The next punch she blocked, but as she moved close to counter, he grabbed the front of her clothing, fisting her jacket and under-shirt, and lifted her off the ground like she weighed nothing. “I can read you like a scroll,” his laughter menaced. As he strode toward the edge of the platform, she dangled like bait on a hook and knew if she didn't extricate herself it would be done. The kicks she aimed at his head and neck were easily blocked by his free arm, so she twined both legs around the supporting arm and threw her weight, sending them both crashing to the floor. Kagome had a longer fall, but she was ready for it. She pivoted, lifting her leg, and slammed the heel of her foot down into his upper chest. The grip on her clothing loosened, and she shrugged the hand off, then flipped up and backed away while he sputtered and coughed.

 

“That hurt,” he said, standing slowly. He had had enough. It was time to end it, one way or another.

 

The next attack was a clumsy knifehand strike that Kagome ducked and realized, too late, was a feint. Kenta moved in a flash. He crouched and wrapped his arms about her waist before she could straighten, lifting her up. Again her feet were off the ground, and her kicks, though connecting, did nothing to the massive Youkai, as he purposefully walked to the edge. Kagome briefly panicked. She had never before been in such a position. The breath was being wrung out of her body as they neared the periphery, and her hands, pushing at his shoulders, had no effect. She mentally slapped herself, forcing calm, and realized her arms were free. Acting quickly, she crashed her elbow into the muscle above the collarbone. Kenta bellowed in pain and loosened his grip enough for her to pivot, intent on dispatching another elbow into his face. Right before it connected, he let go with one arm, catching her elbow on its arc and twisting cruelly.

 

Kagome heard the sickening pop as her upper arm snapped out of the shoulder socket. She screamed in pain and knew instinctively that she needed to act before the nausea engulfed her and the shaking started. She smashed her forehead into Kenta's chin, the shock and pain causing him to loosen his grip enough for her to drive her other elbow into his temple. His eyes rolled peacefully back in his head as his arms opened wide, releasing Kagome, who saw him fall gracefully backwards, landing on the floor below the platform with a thud that shook the stands and half the grounds.

 

Kagome collapsed to her knees, screaming in agony, her right arm held awkward and useless at her side.