Well, beloved readers, here we are, Chapter 9! I've decided to stretch out the tournaments for another chapter just because I have an exciting scene planned out for chappie 10. A few intros in this chapter, I'm so excited! Oh, and before I forget, I want to give a HUGE shout-out thanks to my dear friend "Zaphod Strife" for all his help with correct terminology. I was floundering a little, and he helped me out. Zaph--you are the wind beneath my wings--for this chapter at least! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: "Hi, Jesse the Wolf Demon is not at the computer right now. She is not responsible for the ideas that such a story might implant in the minds of impressionable youths, this is an 'R'-rated fic after all. If you want to sue, press 1. If you want to leave a message of undying love, press 2. If you you're Johnny, calling about the money I put on the last Giants game, I'm working on it!!!!"--BEEP!
Chapter 9: The Beatings Go On
"I want it all, no matter what,
You thought you heard me say, no matter what"
Miroku raised his staff in perfect sync with his opponents attack. It was like a dance, both fighters' moves graceful and practiced. It was almost a forgotten fact that one slip up with such a weapon could kill an opponent. The outside prongs caught on the shaft of Miroku's staff with a ringing clash, like a bell striking a metal pole. For a moment they stood head-to-head, both pushing all of their weight on to the weapons. The audience held their breath, waiting for the next move. Anyone could see that it was Miroku's from the half-smile that grew on his face. Suddenly, before the other combatant could react, Miroku moved his staff with precision, disarming the demon of both his sais.
The two weapons clattered to the ground and slide across the ring floor to stop a few feet in front of where Kagome, Rin and Sango were watching. The demon watched his weapons slide from his grasp, eyes huge with shock. They flickered from Miroku to the sais and back again. As if on cue, he dove for them, but a staff block his path.
"Uh-uh-uh," Miroku chirped in a sing-song manner. He twirled the staff as if it were a flag on the color-guard team, grasping the shaft firmly with his right hand. The demon watched for a moment, spellbound by the hypnotic movements of the golden staff. He never saw the blow coming. The staff stopped in mid-spin, then flew forward to connect with the back of his neck, sending the opposing demon sprawling. Miroku stood over his unconscious quarry, looking very pleased with himself.
A cheer went up in the crowd. The other dojos could only watch as Miroku sauntered back over to where the girls were waiting to congratulate their teammate. "That was easier then I thought it would be," he said with a smirk. "Inuyasha is ten times harder to handle then that prick was."
"You won!" Sango cried in happy surprise. She had temporarily taken up the role of stating the obvious.
"Yes. Yes I did," Miroku said, nodding his head as if only just realizing this. Kagome and Rin were hopping up and down excitedly, hands clasped and the same giddy smile on both of their faces. Then they mauled Miroku with a hug. "Maybe I should win more often," he commented from his position of being squeezed between Rin and Kagome.
"Miroku, now you qualify for the next round!" Rin squeaked in happiness. "You're the second human to move on."
"Well, I'm just special, that's all," Miroku said with a shrug and a smile.
"Yes. Yes you are," Kagome said, copying his earlier dialogue. He laughed at her with the others and Kagome only smiled. There were another twelve matches in the first round before they continued on to the second round. Miroku's next opponent would be posted on the plasma screen that hung in the stands once they were finished. All they could do now was wait until their time came up again and Miroku would take center stage in the ring. They could have returned to the rest area until the second round postings, but Miroku wanted to remain at the ringside so he could gauge the competitors. Rin went to inform Inuyasha of Miroku's first victory. Sango went to round up Kaede, who had chased after another official because they were denying her dojo 'proper refreshments'. Kagome remained at Miroku's side as they waited.
"You could go check on your brothers," Miroku said in an off-hand manner. "I'm not going anywhere."
"I'll check on them next round," she said with a smile. "Someone should stay with you in between, in case of foul play. Just say that I'm your muscle." She gave him a wink and then sat next to him on the bench where he was resting. Her shoulder was pressed against his, and Kagome could feel him shaking. It was not uncommon for a fighter to experience anxiety after a fight was already over. Someone like Miroku would make jokes and put on a brave face, even if he was terrified. Kagome knew the feeling well. She reached over and to his hand from where he had been trying to keep it from shaking. "You did good," she said without looking at him. "And you'll do good again."
"Thanks," he replied, squeezing her hand gently. And he really meant it. They spoke of this no more, and when Sango returned with Kaede, and Rin came back with a very put-out Inuyasha, they separated so that Miroku could prepare for his next fight.
"You know you can't escape today
Is there any other way?"
In the second round, the number of participants went from thirty-four to sixteen. One match had gone south and the victor was hurt too badly to continue. This round would cut the contenders to eight, then to four, then two. It was a methodical system that was practiced in every tournament. It would be used in Rin's event, in Inuyasha's event, and Sango's as well. Kagome's was the only event in the tournament that relied on one-time scores to determine the winner.
Miroku's second battle was versus a human opponent who wielded a trident, a pitchfork-like weapon that had a long shaft and three prongs at the end. It had been a challenge for Miroku. Both of them were good fighters when it came to longer distance attacks. Closer distance was awkward with long weapons, but they danced and circle each other. Miroku felt out his opponent's weaknesses as easily as the other felt out his own. They feinted and dodged, attacked and blocked, over and over. For a while, it seemed a stale-mate, a match never to end. But the seasoned fans knew better. They knew that, although both were fit and young, one would soon be getting to tired to continue at such a pace. This was Miroku's opposition.
The devilishly handsome pervert was in better shape, leaner and had much more impressive stamina then the other fighter and this gave him the edge he needed to win the fight. With a carefully aimed 'sweeper' move, Miroku caught the other human behind the knees with his staff, knocking him down. (A sweeper move is when the handle of the staff, not the head, is used to knock an opponent off their feet by either hitting their knees or ankles.) And the opposition hit the floor hard, not to get up without the aid of his fellow dojo members. Miroku was once more victorious, and he was ready to fight in the third round.
The Isharugi Dojo cheered and hollered and screamed as he came back over. Rin and Kagome smothered him with hugs again. Kaede made a comment about every slacker having his day. Inuyasha clasped Miroku's hand in a friendly display of affection. Even Sango congratulated him, in a halting way. Miroku was too busy glowing to even try and grope her, which surprised everyone.
Between rounds, Kagome went into the stands to check on her brothers. They had a great seats, center row and close to the ring. The arena had stadium seating, giving each spectator a good view of the proceeding events. Souta and Kohaku were decked out with traditional foam fingers, courtesy of Sango. They had written in permanent marker 'Isharugi is #1'. They had been so enthralled with the match that neither noticed Kagome's arrival. Shippou noticed however. He had been watching both the fight, and the other boys, whipping his gaze back and forth between the two until Kagome came up next to him.
"Having fun Shippou?" she whispered the inquiry in his ear. The small demon twisted around, then hopped into her arms again, cuddling against her.
"Yeah, we were watching your friend. He's really, really good!"
"I know. Do you think he'll win?"
"Yep," came the reply that only a small child could make with such confidence. Kagome hugged him, them poked Souta in the back of the head. He turned, ready to use some very inappropriate language until he discovered that the offending party was his sister.
"Hi!" he said with a grin.
"Hey kiddo," she said with a smile. "Having a good time?"
"This is the best!" Souta and Kohaku then launched into and explanation about how the everything about the tournament was cool. Kagome just smiled and tried her best to follow along. It wasn't easy, but she tried. Only once they became too involved in the next match to continue that she looked over to the adult next to them.
Sesshomaru had been watching Kagome from the corner of his eye. His demonic senses, always on alert, picked up the fact that she was a miko the moment she had come into his house the day before. Now that he had a better look at her, it was physically obvious that she was related to Old Woman Kaede. Their scents suggested close family, even without his knowledge of their relation. But he also scented something strange on her--faint demon blood. It wasn't dried blood, like what is left from a battle. No, the scent came from her own blood. The blood of a demon was in her veins as well as the blood of Mikos. A strange combination, for one so plainly a human.
"Hello Sesshomaru," she said with a smile and a nod or recognition, it was as if she knew everything he was thinking about her. There were no hidden secrets in her eyes, no mortal innocence of the sort that shone bright in Rin's eyes. This girl, Kagome, was something else entirely. It was as if she could read him as easily as he could read her. This was impossible of course. He was a demon and she was not. But still, he had a sneaking suspicion that she was not as ignorant as the rest of her species. And he found himself drawn into giving her respect. This was an phenomenon that he found very strange indeed.
"Hello Miss Isharugi," he responded politely.
"Just Kagome is fine. I want to thank you for looking after my brothers. I know they can be a handful." She shifted the small demon in her arms to a more comfortable position, as if it was the most natural thing in the world to hold a demon cub like her own child.
"They are extremely well-behaved," he commented. In truth, they were. The two older ones chattered to each other mostly. The younger, the demon cub Shippou, had chatted with him earlier, but then had become entranced by the battles.
"I do hope so," she said, looking at the child in her arms. He only grinned and snuggled into her again. "But still, thank you. I'd watch them myself, but after this event and the conclusion to Rin's, is my own event. And Rin needs me on the floor when she goes up."
The mention of her cousin caused a brief flicker over his eyes. This caught Kagome off-guard. Could it be that this demon had feelings for Rin in return? It was a possibility, surely. And if that was true, that Rin and Sesshomaru had a secret love for one another, how could Kagome ever hope to destroy him? It would kill Rin. And Kagome could never hurt Rin. It was so confusing, and so tiring. She took a deep breath, smiled at Shippou, and vowed to think of it again later, when she wasn't surrounded by screaming fans.
"I should get back," she said, turning back to him. "Sango will be up before Rin's event. If they need anything, you know where I'll be." Sesshomaru nodded, level gold eyes watching her with speculation. He was trying to figure her out, but if there was one thing Kagome knew about herself, it was that she was too damn good at hiding in the open to be pinned down. Even by someone like Sesshomaru.
"Wish Miroku luck," Sesshomaru added as she placed Shippou back in his seat.
"I surely will." And with that, Kagome returned to the floor, massaging her temples and fighting with her stomach to stay settled. Tournament anxiety mixed with fear and self-loathing is a nauseating feeling.
"And so what, if you don't like me,
I don't give a fuck,
If you don't like me I could change my luck,"
Miroku's third bout was versus a very crafty demon. He was small in size, and very quick. His weapon of choice was a flail. A flail is a hand-weapon, a stick handle with a chain and metal bit at the end. It is usually swung around and used to strike at an opponent from short or long distances. Miroku knew he would have to take it slow with this one, steadier then the first two matches. If he beat this one, he'd be one of the final four competitors.
The rest of the Isharugi team was at the ringside. Sango and Rin were holding on to each other in their suspense. Kaede had her hands clasped in front of her, ready to shout a few choice words to that slacker if he botched this match. Inuyasha was tense and silent, trying to will a victory to Miroku by sheer force of mind. Kagome was the calmest of them all. Her faith in Miroku was well-founded in the short time she had known him. There was no doubt in her mind that he would win. But still, when the other demon made a swipe at him with the flail and managed to catch him in the knee, Kagome jumped and grabbed a handful of Inuyasha's sleeve from where he was standing next to her.
Miroku rolled out of the way before his enemy could strike at him again. His knee hurt like hell, but he would live. The pain in his leg only reminded him to stay focused and not make a false move with this one. Taking a few deep breaths of concentration, everything but what was before him melted away. The focus of a true fighter is an incredible thing. Miroku struck out and the demon feinted to the left, coming up to swing at Miroku's exposed abdomen. But Miroku was faster, gripping the staff and swinging it around faster then the flail could be swung. The demon had no choice but to fall to his knees to avoid the blow. But he was too slow getting up, allowing Miroku the opportunity to attack.
The first blow was stopped by his flail, but Miroku was not completely dependant on his weapon. He managed a well-placed kick across the fallen fighter's chest, sending him sprawling. Then it was a series of missed hits as the demon rolled across the ring. Miroku would not allow him the time to get on his feet. And soon after, he became to dizzy to continue the needed pace. Then Miroku was upon him, and a victory was awarded.
"That was beautiful," Sango said when Miroku joined them again. "I was holding my breath and everything!" Rin nodded her agreement.
Miroku only smiled and sat down, allowing Kagome to see to his knee. It was starting to swell and that was not a good sign. She went back to the rest area and returned with a pack of ice that she used to cover his knee, gently wrapping it on with a cloth bandage. "You still have two fights to go, if you win your next one that is," she said, scratching the beck of her head. "I won't lie, it doesn't look like that knee can hold you up more then another match, at most."
An official came over to their position and looked over at the first aid being administered. "Will the fighter be competing in the next round?"
"Hell yeah!" Miroku yelled, causing the official to scurry away in fear. Kagome sighed, poking his knee none-to-gently. "Ow!" he whined.
"There is an old saying," she told him with a level glare. "A true fighter knows when to withdraw." He met her gaze unflinchingly.
"I have enough in me for another fight, and if there is a second, then I'll fight it." There was a silent moment between them, then Kagome smiled.
"Then I wish you luck Miroku. Just don't put all your weight on the knee, or it might give out sooner then you'd like."
Miroku nodded and flashed a smile. "Thanks Kagome." She flashed a smile and winked before getting up. After the medical diagnosis was made, idle chatter took up the time between matches. It seemed that there was only an eye blink before Miroku's next match. There were only two more, then the final fight to decide the winner of the Male Weapons Competition. The winner would give a high number of points to his dojo, bringing them closer to overall victory of the games.
When it came down to it, Inuyasha had to help Miroku to his feet from the bench. His knee had stiffened because of the ice, but it had done its purpose by keeping the swelling down. Kagome took it away, but rewrapped the bandage on, saying it would act like a brace and would help him in the match. Then, staff in hand, Miroku took to the ring for this all-important match.
His opponent was human, the only other human who made it to the final round. He fought with two wooden batons. And unlike Miroku, had no injury to slow him down. Kagome seethed. If she had her medical bag with her from home, she could have done something more for Miroku's knee then simply wrapping it. But that couldn't be helped now.
The fight began and they circled each other warily. It seemed that this human was smart enough not to let his guard down around Miroku, even with a wounded knee. But then again, maybe he wasn't smart enough. He charged Miroku, making for a strong frontal assault. Stupid. Miroku swung his staff once, that was all it took. The match was his, and his knee took nearly no punishment at all. But he still limped back over to his team, gloating in a very Miroku-like way.
"Well no one can ever say you can't knock them off their feet," Inuyasha quipped.
"Har-har," Miroku laughed sarcastically as he lowered himself on to the bench again. Kagome busied herself with tending to him again, sending Rin off to fetch more ice and Sango off to get another roll of bandages. Kaede stood silently by, watching the proceedings with an air of pride.
"You got another match in you Miroku?" Kagome asked once she was done. "No one knows your body but you."
"I think I'll probably be in pain for a while, but thanks to all the past aches and pains I've gotten from my dearest Sango, this should be a walk in the park." Sango snorted, but there was a smug smile of her face and a look of pride in her eyes.
"Well," Kaede said, finally speaking up. "Your final match will begin in a few minutes, and you should get ready for your fight Rin dear."
"I want to wait and watch the last fight," Rin said sheepishly. And it was just then that the final fight was called to commence. Miroku hobbled to the ring, ready for his final match. Only those who didn't know him couldn't pick up on the set of his jaw and the perspiration that was breaking out on his forehead due to the pain in his knee.
His opposition? A demon wielding a formidable axe as his weapon. He grinned maliciously at Miroku and advanced the moment the official rang the commencement bell. The demon was tall, having a good foot on Miroku and was extremely broad. He bared double rows of pointed yellow teeth in a huge grin and hefted the awe on to his shoulder leisurely. His hair was brown and past his waist. It was plaited and matted with dirt and grim. Despite a dirty appearance, he was hard-core, and Kagome became rather nervous.
"This is not good," Kagome muttered. Inuyasha overheard her and turned.
"What do you mean?"
Her eyes never left the ring when she answered. "Look at the opposition, dog-boy. His weapon is his power. Miroku would normally have the advantage of speed, but with that messed up knee he will be a sitting duck unless he comes up with a better strategy."
This was all well and true. Miroku knew it well as the bohemian demon advanced upon him like a spider converging on a fly already caught in his web. He swayed back and forth, gripping his staff until his knuckles turned white. The first move was the oppositions, his would be the reaction.
Miroku didn't have to wait long. The demon took a hard swipe with his axe, clearly meaning business. Miroku fell back easily, getting to his feet as fast as his knee would allow and just in time to block a second stroke with the axe. Metal scrapping metal filled his ears as he wrenched back, and attacked at his opponent's legs. The demon parried beautifully, completely blocking any shot meant to disable him. He was also smarter then most of the other demons from the pervious matches. He remained silent, not throwing insults or trying to mess with Miroku's concentration. It was clearly a battle of skill.
The axe crashed down on Miroku from above. He blocked it in a split second, but the impact made his wounded knee give out and he fell to one knee on the ring floor. The weight was tremendous and Miroku struggled to keep the deadly-sharp axe from falling on to his oh-so-adorable head. So he did the only thing he could think of. Miroku reached up and grabbed the axe handle, pulling his staff free and using it to prop himself back to his feet. The demon was definitely unprepared for such a tactic, flustered and almost dropping his weapon. Miroku was far stronger than he let on.
Surprise was quickly recovered, and the axe-wielder regained control of his weapon. Miroku released his hold and took a few steps back, hefting his staff up in a defensive position. This was going to be much harder then he thought it would be. 'Think Miroku,' he told himself. 'The axe keeps you from a frontal assault and you can't get anywhere near his legs. Where do you go now?'
The behemoth hefted his axe and swung at Miroku again. This time, his smaller--and much cuter--opponent noticed the length of time between strokes. It left his shoulder and upper arm exposed just long enough to get in a good attack. Miroku grinned darkly. He had to get under the swing and take out his arm. Without the strength of both arms on the humongous weapon, it would be too heavy to use effectively.
Predictably, the awe came down when Miroku stood still for too long. The sly human slipped under the stroke of the weapon, right into the eye of the storm. The arc went wide when the demon realized what his opponent was doing, but it was too late to reverse the attack. Miroku used his staff like a baseball bat, hitting the demon fist across the elbow, causing him to loose his grip, then pushing it forward to slam into his throat. The demon fell to his back heavily, axe aside, clutching at his throat. The official declared Miroku the winner.
The Isharugi martial arts team jumped into the ring and ran to grab Miroku before he fell over. They practically pounced on him in their hysteria, but Kagome held them back, mindful of his injury. Inuyasha pulled an arm over his shoulders and helped Miroku from the ring and toward their rest area. Rin took his staff, chattering about his grand victory all the way. Sango had stars in her eyes and she trailed silently behind them. Kagome kept shooting worried glances at his swollen knee and muttering to herself. Kaede accepted the award on his behalf and the points of the event were award to their dojo.
Once back at the rest area, Inuyasha helped Miroku into a seat and Kagome set to work on his knee again. Unlike when they were in public, Miroku was whimpering and crying about the pain. Kagome was sympathetic, being as gentle as she could, and then giving him a hug when she was done. "All better!" she said as if talking to one of her brothers. "I'd give you a lollypop, but I don't have any."
"Ack, you suck," Miroku whined, pouting. She laughed and kissed his cheek. "But I guess that's better then candy," he said with a smug smile.
"Well pal, I guess all the times I kicked your ass came in handy," Inuyasha prodded. Miroku gave him a hearty 'har-har' before whining about his knee some more. Rin grabbed him a soda and some food from the stands, fawning over him. Sango remained silent, but took over the task of looking after him when Rin was called back to the ring for her battle.
"Good luck Rin," Miroku called as she and Kagome left.
"Thanks!" she said with a smile.
"It seems I'm getting rotten to the core,
"Forget about tomorrow,
You and me, we're going down in sorrow,"
Rin's battles were a much smaller group. It was surprising that not many people passed the preliminary Dagger evaluation. There were only ten fighters who progressed. In the second round, that number would be cut in half. Same as Miroku's event, until there was only a victor. Rin held her daggers with shaky hands, taking deep breaths.
Kagome ran a hand over her arm and smiled down at her cousin when Rin looked up at her. "I don't know why you get so nervous," Kagome said with a smile. "You've already blown them away."
"But I'm not a fighter Kag," Rin said in a pleading voice. "I'm just someone who throws good."
Kagome laughed and hugged Rin firmly. "You are a fighter. You can do this. Just have a little faith in yourself kid, and you'll come out on top. I believe in you."
"Thanks Kagome."
"What's a cousin for?" They shared a smile, then it was time for Rin's first match.
The match went quickly, a fury of attacks from Rin and her female demon opponent. They dodged, blocked, feigned, and retaliated. They were both blurs of slashes and movements. In the end, it was Rin who came out on top. She dove to the ground, tripping her opponent using her own body. The girl collapsed to the floor and flipped over, only to find Rin holding a dagger horizontally across her throat. Points were awarded to Rin and the dojo.
When she walked back over to the side of the ring, Rin slumped on to the bench and let Kagome fan her off. Rin was shaking from head to toe, and she covered her pale face with her hands. It was no secret that Rin was a pacifist, but a girl could never be too careful in a world like this.
"You did good Rin," Kagome said calmly.
"I think I might be sick," was her muffled reply, face still buried. "I've never been so scared before!"
"But you won, and it was a beautiful sight," Kaede said, joining them. Kagome looked up with a smile. "Inuyasha is looking after Miroku right now. Sango has gone to check on the boys."
"Thanks Grams," Kagome said with a smile.
"I thought I would tell you that your event is after Rin's, dear."
"Oh," was all Kagome said. "I guess I should run and hand in my CD then. So they have my music? Yes." Kagome nodded to herself, then turned. "I'll be back for your next fight Rin, don't worry."
Rin nodded, not lifting her head. Kaede sat next to her, trying to calm the trembling girl. After-battle anxiety was common in one like Rin, who was not used to battle. Kagome had been like that once, the first time her mother took her out demon-hunting. But that was a long time ago, and Kagome was used to it by now. 'Doesn't mean I like it,' she thought quickly. 'Just that I'm used to it. But that doesn't make me feel any better about it...'
"Station to station, Teenage Alien Nation,
The Teenage Alien Nation yeah,
It's all wrong,"
Kagome walked back to the rest area and saw that Miroku was reclining comfortably and Inuyasha was back to his corner, concentrating. 'Boys,' she thought, grabbing the CD out of her bag and heading toward the officials table to hand in her stuff. On the way, she accidentally bumped into someone while spacing out.
"Oh, I am so sorry," she said hurriedly, helping to right the man she had almost knocked over. He turned to face her and Kagome smiled apologetically. The man was taller then she was, and he couldn't have been older then twenty-five. His face was defined and his eyes were black. His hair, the same color as his eyes, was long and wavy, held back by a tie. When he drew himself up, he had an air of power similar to that of Sesshomaru. Only his was less reserve, more darkness. Kagome shivered a little, her miko senses quickly screaming 'demon' in her face.
"You might try watching where you go next time," he said in a frosty voice. He took a sweep of her with his eyes, and the vibe of hostility all but vanished. Suddenly he smiled. "Though I must admit I was lucky to have been attacked by so lovely a girl."
Kagome blushed a little, unused to the attention. "Thanks," she stammered. "If you'll excuse me, I have to hand in my music for the next event."
He raised an eyebrow. "You are competing in the weapons free-style?" Kagome nodded, beginning to fidget. "May I ask for which Dojo you compete?"
"The Isharugi Dojo. My grandmother is the master."
"Really now? Isn't that interesting! Well then, I wish you luck Miss Isharugi." Kagome smiled and bowed, then hurried off to get her music in and get back to Rin.
The mysterious man watched her jog off with sparkling eyes. So that was Kagome Higurashi, all grown up. He must admit, she did turn out to be a beautiful girl, even more so then her mother. Although, there was the merest trace of the hanyou in her face, most of her was from her mother. He sighed to himself. Yes, he was right to do what he did. He had planned too much and waited too long for a girl with her power to come along. And soon, his wait would be over. Soon the Jewel and the girl would be his.
"Naraku?" a voice called from behind him. He turned and came face to face with two girls. One was taller, with dark hair and a closed fan tapping against her shoulder in an irritated rhythm. Her red eyes narrowed as she looked at him. The smaller girl had black eyes much like his own, but her hair was bone-white, along with her skin. She was small, looking no older then ten years old.
"Yes Kagura?" Naraku asked with as much annoyance in his voice as was in her eyes.
"You wanted me to compete in the freestyle, did you not?"
"Yes, I did."
"Then I should be getting ready. Will you get along without me?"
"I think I'll manage." They both smiled sarcastically and parted ways. The smaller girl, Kanna, trailed after her sister without expression. Inwardly she sighed. Those two never could get along.
"I guess the summer must have come and gone,
I guess we kinda shoulda known it all along,"
Kagome had handed in her music and hurried back ringside to where Rin waited for her next match. For some reason, the Dagger fights were becoming more brutal. The two matches since Rin's had left both competitors two injured to compete further. There would only be three finalists in the second round. And a ruling from the officials pitted this as a three-person match rather then a one-on-one. It would be unfair to ask then to fight non-stop matches.
Rin gulped upon the ruling. She was shaking again, pale and small, but she looked more determined. They called the three finalists into the ring. Kagome smiled reassuringly at her cousin as the smaller girl ascended the stairs almost as if marching to her doom. But she wasn't. Rin knew this. She would not let the fear cloud her and make her let down her dojo. She had too much pride for that.
"You are the final three," the official in the ring spoke. "You know the rules. I want a good fight here. Daggers only, nothing else of you will be disqualified." He looked over his shoulder at the ringside table and received a nod from another official. "Commence," he said, dropping his hand and scurrying off as the bell was rung.
Rin circled her opponents warily. They were both male, one human and one demon. The demon was much larger then herself, but the human she had a good chance of taking out. He was small and looked more nervous then she was. But battle rush now had Rin and she was twice as confident as ever before. The demon seemed to take the same direction she did, to eliminate the weakest of the three. Normally it would have been the female opponent who was ganged up on, but it was very clear that Rin was the stronger of the two humans.
The demon and the girl cornered their prey and thrashed him good, slashing so fast he could scarcely parry until finally he laid down his daggers and left the ring with dignity. Now it was only Rin and the demon. She dodged an almost unnoticed assault, but he was stronger and larger, and Rin could only run for so long.
It was clear very soon that he was far more skilled then Rin, but she wouldn't give up. She'd go in for the attack and get back out before he could counter. But Rin was tiring and couldn't keep up the pace needed to stay ahead. After twenty minutes of diving and running, Rin slipped and fell to the mat. She was on her feet quickly, but not quick enough. Before she had time to react, she was pinned by her demon foe, and a dagger was placed against her throat. The bell was sounded, but the demon on her still wouldn't move. In fact, he smiled and pressed his blade harder against her delicate throat. Rin felt it cut the skin as blood welled and trickled down her neck. She whimpered and struggled, but he was stronger.
"What are you doing?" she asked, breathless with fear.
"Human blood is so sweet," he replied, eyes on her cut. "Especially the blood of women. It's like syrup."
"Please," Rin whimpered again as the dagger bit deeper into her skin. "Let me go!"
"How sweet," the demon whispered, leaning down to lick the blood from her neck. But he never got that far because someone had pulled him off of Rin. Kagome. She was now kicking the demon offender in the ribs.
"How does that feel, you fucking bastard?" she yelled, landing a stomp with a cracking sound. She broke his nose and liquid the color of grass leaked from his face. "No one touches my cousin!" Kagome ranted, kicking him one more time for good measure in the balls, then she was at Rin's side. "Rin, are you okay?"
"Kagome," Rin said, looking at the curled ball that had once been her opponent. "He was going to suck my blood!" She looked up at Kagome with wide eyes. "Like a fucking vampire!"
"I don't think he'll want it now," Kagome said with a raised eyebrow and a half-smile. "Come on, I'll clean that cut on your neck. Oh Rin, you're neck." Kagome brushed back Rin's braid to look at the freely-flowing cut along her neck. It was shallow, but long and bleeding. She ran two fingers across the cut gingerly. Rin didn't complain.
The tournament officials finally came to their side, taking the offender into custody. He was disqualified, making Rin the winner of the event, but no one really cared about that. Kaede and Kagome helped Rin back to the rest area while the tournament was given ten minutes so the officials could sort out the mess with the dojos. Kaede explained to the boys what had happened as Kagome tended to Rin. Sango, the boys, and Sesshomaru appeared in the area not long after.
Kohaku first made sure that Rin was alright, then he went over to poke Miroku in the knee and watch him twitch. Shippou and Souta were quickly at Rin's side, saying incoherent babble about blood and pain and her trachea. Kagome shooed them away so that she could assess the wound. It didn't need stitches, luckily. It wasn't all that deep. She cleaned it and swabbed it as best she could, then bandaged it up with a fervent promise to do a better job that night. Sango held her hand tightly as Kagome did this, the pain of the alcohol burning in the wound stung like hell, but she didn't utter a sound. Sesshomaru was a phantom in the doorway, perfectly still and watching them with level eyes. Rin watched him as well, their eyes never leaving each other through the entire ordeal.
"There we go," Kagome said with a half-smile. "You'll be just fine Rin. I'm sorry I didn't get to him quicker."
"No Kag," Rin said quickly, her gaze blinking from the demon in the doorway to her cousin's face. "If it wasn't for you, he would have....licked me...euck..." Kagome chuckled and hugged Rin loosely around the shoulders.
"Glad I could help."
"Speaking of help," Kaede said, returning to the area. "I just settled everything with the officials. The dojo was thrown out and the victory was awarded to you Rin dear." Rin smiled.
"It was worth it!" she quipped with a beaming smile.
Kaede smiled back. "Well, you don't need to do anything else for the tournament. You can stay here with Miroku...on second thought, you should stay ringside with us."
"Hey!" Miroku bristled. "I'm injured too ya know!"
"But not enough to keep your hands to yourself," Sango added, backhanding him and stepping on the hand that had been on her thigh. There was a chuckle in the rest area until Kaede cleared her throat.
"Well Kagome dear, you'll be up next."
"Wicked!" Kagome said, hopping to her feet. "Rin, can you still help me out, or should Sango?"
"I'm not an invalid...or a pussy like Miroku!"
"Hey! I am still here you know!" he grumbled.
"Thanks, we'd better get out there then." Kagome flashed a sly smile at everyone, then grabbed the two short swords from the weapons table and carried them out. Sango had all three boys with her when she left to take them back to their seats. Inuyasha, curious in spite of himself, followed Kagome ringside with Kaede. Miroku remained, still grumbling. Rin followed after them, Sesshomaru at her side.
Kagome reached ringside and noticed Rin no where to be found. She asked Kaede and Inuyasha to hold her place as she went to grab the straggler, only she didn't find Rin straggling. She found Rin with Sesshomaru in the small, vacant stairwell that led to the stands. It was only a coincidence that it was the same place that Rin had caught Miroku and Sango only an hour before. Kagome quickly hid so no one saw her, but what she saw made her eyes widen.
Sesshomaru and Rin stood close together, his hand gently on her neck with his thumb trailing over the bandage. Rin looked up into his face unmoving. They were silent and still apart from the movement of his hand on her throat. For a moment, Kagome didn't know if he was comforting her, or trying to kill her. Then he spoke in that quiet, mellow tone of his.
"I was worried when I saw that he was not moving." His face remained expressionless, but Kagome saw that his eyes were conflicted. She empathized with him, on one level. It couldn't be easy for a full demon to admit feelings for a human, even if his own father had loved a human. But in the sense, it only made her job harder. "I would have killed him, but your cousin dispatched him quite efficiently."
Rin smiled slightly, her hand moving up to cover the larger one that was still on her neck. "Kagome is very useful to have around." Kagome nodded to herself at that, she was useful. "I was afraid," she whispered, breaking eye contact. "I couldn't protect myself. I had to be rescued."
Sesshomaru moved his hand from her neck to move her chin, making her eyes find his once more. "Everyone must be rescued sometimes."
"Even you?" she asked quietly.
"Even me," he confirmed. The announcer broke the moment by announcing the start of the event. "I should return, as should you. Your cousin is waiting." For a second, his eyes flashed in Kagome's direction and she was sure he saw her, but then he backed away from Rin and left. Perhaps he knew she was nearby, but not her exact position. Still had her nervous...weird demons.
Rin stood still for a moment, composing herself, then walked out of the stairwell. Kagome came up behind her a little ways on, not wanting her to know she had been watching. "I was looking for you."
Rin jumped, then smiled as she turned. "Sorry," she said, but offered no explanation for her tardiness. Kagome didn't ask. It was better that way. Soon they reached the others and all thoughts of Rin and Sesshomaru were pushed from Kagome's mind as she studied the line-up. She was seventh, after a girl named Kagura.
"Kagura, Kagura...why is that so familiar?" Kagome mused.
"That was the name of the Old Navy girl," Inuyasha commented.
"How do you remember that?" Sango asked in amazement, having just returned from the stands.
Inuyasha smirked, and tapped his head with his fist. "Like a steel trap."
Kagome mimicked his action by wrapping her knuckles against his skull and then pressing her ear against his head. "And I can hear an echo to boot! You're full of surprises, aren't you dog-boy?" He growled, but Kaede put an end to the argument before it could escalate.
"Enough children. Kagome, are you ready?"
"As I'll ever be Grams," Kagome said with a smile, handing her swords to Rin. "You know what to do."
"Right oh, mon capitan!" Rin said with a salute.
Then they turned to watch Kagome's competition.
"We're never going anywhere,
And sometimes, you've gotta pick it up,"
By the fifth girl's performance, Kagome was getting nervous. She paced back and forth, doing little warm-ups to loosen her muscles for the millionth time. Then she began cracking her neck and her back and her knuckles. Physical activity always took her mind away from stress. As long as she kept moving, Kagome could forget the fact that she was about to perform in front of more people then she cared to count. Rin watched Kagome's ritual in amusement, keeping herself from the responding irony. Wasn't it Kagome who had told her to keep her cool only a little while ago? Still, Rin had to admit to herself that Kagome was in far better shape then she had been in. (meaning she wasn't as nervous as Rin had been, even though Kagome is nervous now)
Sango had gone to check on Miroku again, and Kaede had gone with her to make sure that Sango didn't kill Miroku with any spare weapons laying around. Rin sat on the bench, wiping down the two swords with an old cloth to keep busy. Every once in a while, she'd put her hand to her throat, but she never said anything. Inuyasha was getting annoyed with Kagome's antics, but remained silent in his sitting position, watching her with one eye.
When Kagura went on, Kagome stopped to watch. This was a woman--err, demon--who knew the weapons freestyle. She used two fans, her body movements flawless and perfectly in sync with the song she chose. It was actually a rousing song, where most of the competitors had chosen classical music or traditional Japanese songs. Kagura's choice was 'Smells the Teen Spirit' by Nirvana. Kagome had to give her props for good taste. But watching the dancer only made her spirits fall. It reminded her that no matter how many of her father's competitions she had seen, never before had she participated. She was going to make a fool of herself and let the dojo down.
"Hey, bitch, calm the fuck down! You're making 'me' nervous," Inuyasha barked, finally at the end of his rope. (No pun intended...okay, maybe there is a pun!)
Kagome glared at him but then sighed. "She's so good," she said calmly, nodding to where Kagura was just finishing her routine. "Her moves are flawless, perfect. I'm going to look like such a novice."
"So?" he asked in all seriousness. "We're all novices here. So maybe she's good. Big deal. Look at it though, it's all the same stuff over and over, just in different order to a different song. You are nonconformitive, a rebel if you will. So do what you do best bitch."
Kagome looked to him in question, one eyebrow raised and a smile on her face. "And what would that be?"
"Screw with their minds." Kagome looked at him a minute, digesting this, then her face broke into a grin. She nodded slowly and laughed.
"Yeah, thanks dog-boy." She walked over and patted him softly on the head, just between his ears. He growled, looking up at her, but she just tweaked another ear in response as the announcer called her name. "Hup, time for me to go! Rin?"
"All set here!" her cousin assured her, holding up both swords. "Kick ass Kagome!"
Then the music began to play, the opening riffs to Linkin Park's 'Faint'. (I think this song is awesome for a fight scene!) Kagome went to the platform, signaling to the officials who she was and then making her way to the empty ring. The music pounded in her ears, filling her veins, and suddenly all nervousness left her. This was what her father had told her about. Fighter's nirvana, he said. When the rush of adrenaline kicks in and nothing matters but the thrill of the fight. It was what he had lived for, and now it was Kagome's turn.
But the second repetition, she was on the floor, doing a double combination back flip that landed into a round-house kick.
"I am
A little bit of loneliness
A little bit of disregard
A handful of complaints
But I can't help the fact
That everyone can see these scars."
The first and second stanzas of the song were spent in simple martial arts combinations without a weapon. Kagome was waiting for the first play of the chorus. Rin was waiting ringside, the first sword poised in her hand to throw it over to Kagome when the signal was given.
"I am
What I want you to want
What I want you to feel
But its like
No matter what I do
I can't convince you
To just believe this is real
So I let go
Watching you
Turn your back like you always do
Face away and pretend that I'm not
But I'll be hear
'Cause you're all that I've got"
Then the chorus came and Kagome looked to Rin. She tossed the first sword through the air and Kagome caught it by the hilt, flawlessly flowing from hand-to-hand martial arts movements into simple kendo attacks while using the sword.
"I can't feel
I way I did before
Don't turn your back on me
I won't be ignored
Time won't heal
This damage anymore
Don't turn your back on my
I wouldn't be ignored,
I am
A little bit insecure
A little unconfident
'Cause you don't understand
I do what I can
But sometimes I don't make sense
I am
What you never want to say
But I've never had a doubt
It's like no matter what you do
I can't convince you
For once just to hear me out
So I let go
Watching you
Turn your back like you always do
Face away and pretend that I'm not
But I'll be here
'Cause you're all I got"
And then there was the second chorus, and the second sword was thrown from the side of the ring only to be caught effortlessly by Kagome, who easily alerted her routine yet again to fit in double sword combos. Anyone could see the judges were floored by her performance, not knowing what to make of it.
"Ah, that's my granddaughter," Kaede said from behind Inuyasha and Rin. They both jumped and looked behind her. But she wasn't looking at them, she was looking at Kagome. "She may look like her mother, but she moves like her father."
Rin smiled and nodded. "She's definitely Uncle Rei's daughter. No doubt about it."
"Uncle Rei?" Inuyasha asked, looking to Rin. The girl blinked at him innocently.
"You mean you didn't know whose daughter she is?" The confused hanyou merely shook his head, prompting her to tell him. "It's kinda obvious 'Yash, I mean she'd wearing his symbol on her back and everything. How dense are you?"
Inuyasha looked at her like she had just grown a second head. Rei Yue. Kagome was Rei Yue's daughter? No 'fucking' way! "There is no way in hell that bitch is related to Rei Yue," Inuyasha was quick to deny.
Rin shrugged. "Believe what you want, but you have to admit she fights like a Yue."
"And she acts like a Yue," Kaede added with a snort. "She captures the spotlight and the audiences' attention just like he did. All eyes are on her. Like I said, 'that' is my granddaughter."
"I can't feel
The way I did before
Don't turn your back on me
I won't be ignored
Time won't heal
This damage anymore
Don't turn your back on me
I won't be ignored
No
Hear me out now
You're gonna listen to me
Like it or not
Right now
Hear me out now
You're gonna listen to me
Like it or not
Right now
I can't feel
The way I did before
Don't turn your back on me
I won't be ignored
I can't feel
The way I did before
Don't turn your back on me
I won't be ignored
Time won't heal
This damage anymore
Don't turn your back on me
I won't be ignored."
Kagome ended her routine, panting and sweating, but grinning ear to ear. Both her swords were held in an 'x' position in front of her, legs apart for balance, and head back to defy the world. It went perfectly, just like she practiced it. Just like she prayed it would be. She was still smiling as she left the ring, listening to the cheers from the crowd. She could swear that she heard her brothers screaming at the top of their lungs somewhere in the stands. Just for the heck of it, she turned in their general direction and waved. Then she rejoined her grandmother, cousin, and mortal enemy. And at that moment, he looked even more angry with her then usual.
"And roll the dice, no lookin' back,
And man you don't think twice about
Feeling lonely everyday."
Muhahaha, I'll be evil and leave it here. Chapter 10 is on the way folks, and I hope to get it out soon. It'll help me get motivated if I got a few more reviews though. Although I love this story a whole lot, it's just not getting as many reviews as I hoped it would, makes me discouraged. Oh well…for all those who are Wanderers Fans, Chapter 6 has been replaced, in case no one noticed. I'm putting 7 out this week so keep an eye open. Now, shout-out time!!!
NightstarAngel: Thank you! I love you for loving my story! Yeah, I love it when Kagome is outwardly as strong as she is emotionally. I've always thought she had the potential to be great, but I just set her in a different environment to see her thrive. Thanks for the compliment, I hope I do her justice. Thanks for reading and the review!
EternalDemon: Thanks! I'm so glad you like it. Well, death threats are great motivational tools… Oh well, hehe. *cough* Thanks for reading my story! I love you with the power of a ball of yarn (BUM Bum bum)!
SarahlovesDBZ: Thanks! I'm so happy that so many people like how I portrait Kag as a kicker of ass. I just love her as a strong character. She's one of my many heroes, one of the few female ones that is. I just think she has such potential. Thanks for reading Sarah!
pruning shears: Well, here is your more realistic fighting. The last chapter was only the surface. I like it to be realistic (but I still favor my guys, you know…I'm a sucker) LOL, hey, don't be callin' Kouga slow! Even if he is, I still love the sucker! He'll be in Chapter 10, look for him! Yes, feel loved. I want all my reviewers to feel loved because they are loved! I love you all!
False Reality: Unrequited Love: Sorry about that, I don't check the profiles, hehe. I'll do that. Again, sorry for the mix-up. Thanks for reading though!
Jaded Hanyou Girl: Ah, Izumi, I was wondering when you'd come bother me again, lol. I love you! You saw Revolutions too! God, that was such a fucking awesome movie! I am such a Matrix freak it's not even funny, but I loved that movie. It was just…wow! But I am also a HUGE Lord of the Rings fan (nickname of Hobbit cuz I'm little and cuz I read the entire book in one week *cough*) Anywho, don't gorge on too much pie, I want you healthy to read this chapter! LOL, it's okay, I forgive you for missing that chapter. Point is, you read it now, therefore you are up to speed with the rest of us. Thanks a lot for reading and reviewing. Pie and Peace!
Angel of Saturn1: Here's that chapter you wanted. I hope you liked it. It's pretty long and I do hope you continue to like my story. I do too, lol. Thanks for reading!
Okay everyone, thanks for reading! I'll try to get the next one out ASAP! Please remember to review though, it'll help motivate me. ~~Jesse the Wolf Demon~~