Chapter 26
The Fight
RIP!
Kohaku kicked his punching bag so hard it tore open from the force. Sweat dripped down his nose as he took a moment to catch his breath. He had been training hard in preparation for the fight tonight. Naraku warned him that the demon he would be fighting was much stronger than the ones he had previously defeated. However, he had grown soft and was nothing more than a man in a business suit according to Naraku. He was confident that Kohaku would win. Kohaku did not care how strong this demon supposedly was or had been. He was confident in his skills to take demons down plus he was fighting to get his woman back.
"Whoa Kohaku! You ripped open another bag!" An assistant yelled.
"That will become that demon's head." Kohaku said confidently. He did not understand what Rin was doing with that monster. Thinking about the time he called her phone and this Sesshomaru answered her phone enraged him once more.
"Get me another one!" He yelled.
The assistant ran off to find another punching bag somewhere in the stadium gym.
He dropped to the floor to do pushups. He had to win! I am going to kill that filthy demon for bewitching my woman and then I'm going to lock my girl up so she can never escape again, he thought.
"Kohaku!"
He stopped mid pushup, sweat dripped to the floor. He slowly stood and turned around.
"What do you want now?" He asked annoyed.
"I don't want you to go through with this. There is still time to back out." Sango pleaded. Kohaku did not even tell her about this. She found out from Miroku who overheard some guys talking about it at his job.
"How did you even get down here?" He asked.
"Why are you doing this?" Sango asked ignoring his question.
"I have to get back what belongs to me. He disrespected me. He fucked MY girl!" Kohaku yelled.
"Listen, she is not your girl anymore. I had no idea she was with a demon but….that's her choice." Sango paused before saying the last part. She remembered when she would judge Rin while she was with her brother wondering if she was good enough. But after getting to know her, it seemed her brother was the one not good enough for Rin. However, she had no idea Rin would be with Inuyasha's brother. She did not know much about Sesshomaru's character except that he was a cold person so what Rin saw in him she did not know. But that did not really matter, what mattered was Inuyasha's brother was not someone her brother should be fighting. That particular demon was extremely dangerous.
"If I cannot have her then no one will even if I have to kill her too to make sure of it." Kohaku said seriously.
"You're the one that will get killed! This demon you're fighting is no ordinary demon. Inuyasha doesn't talk about it much but the Taishos were Demon Lords many years ago and Sesshomaru was the cruelest. He slaughtered for power and sometimes he just executed people for no reason. In Japan where they are from he would be called a Daiyokai. That is not the kind of demon you want to fight." Sango warned. Miroku gave her a history lesson about the Taisho's olden times, which is why she always believed Sesshomaru was dangerous. Even though he decided to conform to live peacefully with humans, at any time if he wanted he could probably destroy the Earth. Maybe she was being a little dramatic but she was sure Kohaku would not be able to defeat a demon like Sesshomaru.
"My own sister doubts my ability? I am being trained by a powerful demon. I will not lose." Kohaku said.
"Right. He will not lose dear sister."
Sango turned around at the sound of the sinister voice behind her. A tall pale man with long, black, wavy hair stood before her staring with mischievous red eyes. This must be Naraku. She had never met him but she knew she did not like him.
"Why don't you stop this!? He could be killed!" Sango confronted him bravely.
"It is what he wants to do." Naraku said looking down at her.
"You don't even care what happens to him!" Sango could tell.
"Kohaku is your sister disrupting your training?" Naraku asked ignoring her.
"Yes."
"Guards!" Naraku called.
Two large demons arrived in an instant.
"Remove her. She can return tonight for the fight." Naraku said.
The guards grabbed a screaming, kicking Sango and escorted her out.
"Carry on Kohaku. Tonight will be the fight of your life." Naraku said with a smirk.
(Meanwhile)
Sesshomaru lounged in his backyard under the palm trees. He appreciated the light breeze and warm sun the beach had to offer all from the comfort of his veranda. But despite his relaxing surroundings, he felt indifferent to it all. Only one person was on his mind and she was driving him crazy. He re-read the text Rin sent him over and over again.
I'm sorry for walking out the way I did. Although I still don't agree with it I now have some understanding of why you are going to fight. I want you to know that I trust you and I know you are more than capable of protecting me. I love you Sesshomaru. I will be there to support you. Let's go home together after the fight.
He experienced so many emotions flowing through him after reading her text. He accepted her apology, he was grateful she seemed to forgive him, he was proud that she thought him capable of protecting her, he was annoyed she still didn't agree with his decision and wary about her attending the fight. He did not think her presence there was the best decision which was why he called in reinforcements. Inuyasha was already attending; although he had to admit his dimwit brother was strong he was not sure if he was smart enough to deal with Naraku's tricks. But he knew one person who was…
His mother.
When he called her he received an earful. After sitting on the phone ignoring her for twenty minutes he was not surprised to find she already knew about the fight. Somehow, that woman knew everything. She readily agreed to attend the fight and watch over Rin for him. He was cautious about her being around Rin again based upon their rather interesting first meeting but he had no choice but to trust she would behave herself.
Sesshomaru looked at the time on his phone. It seemed he needed to make his way to the location of the fight. He stood and stretched his muscles before going to his room to get dressed. Sesshomaru did not expect much of a fight from this human. He felt no need to train or prepare at all, he rarely ever did anyways. This Kohaku and that snake Naraku were fools that were in for a rude awakening.
(An hour later)
The stadium was surprisingly packed for an underground fight. Bright lights filled the space; the noise levels reached higher and higher as more people entered. Some demons and mostly humans filled the arena to see Kohaku fight. He had a large fan base that practically worshipped the ground he walked on. Naraku had a ticket handler at each door collecting money to enter and security was very present. Naraku even had people on the outside watching to ensure the local authorities would not interfere.
The excitement in the room was palpable. When Kohaku's fans found out he was participating in an underground match with what was supposedly a dangerous demon they could not pass up the opportunity to witness this event. Many of the attendees were not from the business world or wealthy socialites so they had no idea who Sesshomaru even was. Most of the people in the room believed Kohaku would win but the demons that attended felt otherwise. They just came to see the fighter, known as the "demon slayer," taken down.
"Wow, this fight is bigger than I thought it would be." Rin said walking down the hall with her friends. They were all dressed casually in t-shirts and jeans or shorts.
"I kind of expected this. There has been so much buzz about it at my job. How Naraku pulled this off without it coming to the attention of the authorities is strange to say the least." Miroku pondered. He, Sango, Kagome, Inuyasha and Rin walked down the long hall toward the stadium.
They decided to attend the fight together each for different reasons. Sango was there in hopes of speaking to her brother one more time in an attempt to stop him. Miroku was there to support and protect Sango in any way he could. Kagome was there in support of Rin while Inuyasha attended to protect them both. He would not let anyone lay a finger on Sango and Miroku either. And of course Rin attended to support Sesshomaru. She just hoped she got through to him. He never responded to the text she sent him yesterday so she was worried and eager to see him.
"Stop right there. That'll be 50 bucks." The ticket handler said holding his grimy hand out as the group made their way to the entrance.
"We ain't buying tickets." Inuyasha said stepping in front of everyone.
"Well you ain't getting in." The ticket handler said.
"I'm Sango and this is Inuyasha, our brothers are the ones fighting tonight." Sango spoke up before Inuyasha started.
The ticket handler looked them over then radioed Naraku via walkie talkie. "I have a group here stating they are associated with the fighters."
Naraku's response was to let them in.
As the group passed, Inuyasha glared at the ticket handler. He was in a particularly awful mood today after dealing with Kikyo yesterday and now dealing with an angry Kagome. She had been pretty much ignoring him since the interview. Although he told her not to watch it, she obviously did. He bet she was angry about the kiss. As beautiful as Kagome's spirit was; her jealous side was another story. She did not even let him sleep in the same bed as her last night. He slept on the couch while Rin slept in his spot in the bed. He guessed his brother must have been in the dog house with Rin as well since she was there and not at his place.
"That'll be 50$ bucks." The group could hear the ticket handler saying.
"Oh no darling, I'm with them." Inuyasha picked up on a feminine voice responding. He turned around and cringed.
Sesshomaru's mother. Could his luck get any worse with women right now? That woman hated him.
"Hello." She said gliding past the ticket handler.
The group turned around and everyone but Inuyasha was in awe of the beautiful demon before them. She was dressed casually in white jeans, a flowing top and heels. Her long silver white hair flowed freely down her back. Her amber eyes sparkled with mischief.
"Hi Sesshomaru's mom….um Inukimi." Rin said.
"That's Sesshomaru's mom?" Miroku asked pointing and practically drooling. Sango pinched his ear.
"Rin, how do you know that woman?" Inuyasha asked.
"It's a long story." Inukimi waived. "Hello, everyone. I'll be joining you to watch my son."
"Hi, very nice to meet you." Kagome started and the others followed.
"Are you going to greet me Inuyasha?" She asked.
Remembering all the things that crazy woman did to him when he was a child he could not sit here and be civil with her. He had not seen Inukimi in years and would not care if he ever saw her again.
He huffed.
She smiled.
Kagome observed the interaction curiously. When she stopped being mad at him she would ask him about it later.
An attendant arrived to greet the group leading them to their floor level seats. They were right in front of the ring. The seats were cushioned and quite comfortable featuring a cup holder. Sango and Miroku sat together towards the end. Kagome tried to sit away from Inuyasha but he made sure to get next to her. Rin sat on the other side of Inuyasha with Inukimi sitting next to her.
Another attendant arrived with six flutes of champagne and a message from Naraku for Rin. She took it cautiously and opened it with Inuyasha and Inukimi hovering over her to read it as well. Rin was not aware but she basically had two guard dogs to the right and left of her.
The note simply read. Enjoy the fight; the outcome will determine where you go tonight.
Rin shuddered in anger and fear. How dare he? He acted like she had no choice in the matter. She was going home with Sesshomaru no matter what. Inuyasha growled after reading the note, he wouldn't mind finding this Naraku and putting hands on him. Inukimi's face remained indifferent looking as cold as Sesshomaru's. Naraku was going to eat those words, she thought.
As most of the group sat in nervous anticipation, Sesshomaru was making his way into the stadium wearing a thin white t-shirt, shorts and Nike slippers. Jaken trailed behind him carrying a small duffle bag with towels and water in it. Although, he doubted he would be breaking a sweat. Sesshomaru was starting to get annoyed as Jaken kept singing his praises the whole way there. However, his mind was put at ease when he received confirmation that his mother and brother were with Rin.
He stopped after rounding the corner causing Jaken to run into him.
"My Lord?" Jaken asked.
"Go on ahead." Sesshomaru ordered sending the little toad running along.
Someone was waiting for him. She wore a curve hugging deep purple gown with ample cleavage on full display. Her dark hair hung in loose curls around her face. Her rosy, red eyes lit up when she saw him but turned forlorn at the way he looked at her.
"Sesshomaru." She breathed.
"Kagura."
"Listen, this is one final warning. Please be careful in this fight. Expect that anything can happen." Kagura advised.
"I'll keep that in mind." He said as he walked past her without even a second glance.
"I still care about you, you know!" Kagura blurted to his back.
"Hnnn." Was his only response as he kept walking ahead.
It was time.
"ARE YOU READY!?" The stadium exploded with cheers from the crowd as the announcer stated the fight was about to begin.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN INTRODUCING OUR REIGNING CHAMPION, THE MAN WITH THE FAST HANDS….KOHAKU AKA THE DEMON SLAYER!" The announcer yelled. The crowd erupted with cheers chanting Kohaku's name as he entered the stadium.
Kohaku walked slowly with his head down. He wore his hair in a ponytail; he wore a black and purple robe with a large spider on the back of it. He was followed by a large entourage, some carrying his things and other patting him on the back giving him pep talks.
Before making his way into the ring he looked at Rin sitting in a floor seat close by. She shivered after making eye contact with him. The look he gave her was startling. It was almost pure evil. She quickly looked away. Inukimi squeezed her hand as she never took her eyes off the human. Something about that boy was not right; she could sense a dark energy coming from him.
Sango jumped out of her seat and tried to run toward her brother but was quickly stopped by security.
"Kohaku! Please it not too late to stop this!" She screamed but he ignored her. Miroku grabbed Sango away from security and tried to escort her out but she refused. She wanted to go back to her seat so he agreed and would not leave her side.
Kohaku entered the caged ring and removed his robe bearing his broad chest now wearing only black and purple spandex shorts. He raised his arms in the air making the crowd go wild.
"AND NOW INTRODUCING THE DEMON CRAZY ENOUGH TO CHALLENGE THE DEMON SLAYER….SESSHOMARU TAISHO!" The announcer yelled. Most of the crowd booed as Sesshomaru calmly walked out onto the stadium floor followed by Jaken. Rin, Kagome and even Inuyasha wanted to cheer for Sesshomaru but it was incredibly awkward with a distraught Sango sitting next to them worried for her brother. This whole situation was just not right.
"This guy's not even a real fighter."
"He doesn't even have a team."
"Who is he?"
"Never heard of him."
"Kohaku is going to crush him."
"Slay that demon!"
Rin could hear some of the comments people were yelling from the crowd but she did not let them get to her. She stared at him as he entered the ring. To others it would appear he was simply wearing that same indifferent expression he usually wore but Rin saw something else. It was anger. He took his shirt off revealing his perfectly chiseled physique making some of the ladies in the crowd swoon. When he took his loose shorts off he stood only wearing blue spandex shorts; even in a situation like this Rin could not stop the hot blush rising on her cheeks.
From the moment Sesshomaru entered the ring he did not take his eyes off of Kohaku. The fighters stared each other down both seeing each other for the first time. Kohaku felt nothing but hate for the demon standing in front of him. His rage rolled off of him in waves. Sesshomaru could feel the human's dark energy and knew Naraku had something to do with it. No human could create that kind of energy. Sesshomaru was not sure what power Naraku may have given him but it would not matter. He was still going to crush him for threatening his life and his future mate's life.
"WOW…YOU CAN FEEL THE TENSION BETWEEN THESE TWO. THIS IS GOING TO BE A HELLUVA FIGHT!" The announcer yelled excitedly making the crowd cheer louder. "NOW, A WORD FROM THE HOST OF THIS FIGHT…OH WAIT SOMEONE IS RUNNING ONTO THE FLOOR."
Sesshomaru turned to find his dad dressed athletically in a tank, basketball shorts and tennis shoes with his hair tied in a ponytail. When his dad came closer he noticed the tank read "Team Sesshomaru." He grimaced.
"You forgot to tell them I was with you!" Inu no Taisho said making his way ringside.
"How did you get this far?" Sesshomaru asked annoyed.
"I told them I was a part of your entourage. Couldn't have my son here with no one in his corner." He smiled.
"Lord Taisho!" Jaken bowed.
"Oh, you have Jaken here. Of course." Inu said.
Jaken could have cried to have the great Lord Taisho acknowledge him.
Sesshomaru should have known if his mother knew about this fight then his father knew as well. He wouldn't admit it but he was pleased to have the entire pack there supporting him in a fight to defend his mate. It stirred a deep sense of pride in him.
"Don't make it too quick; give the people a show." Inu joked.
Sesshomaru smirked then turned around to face Kohaku again with a pitiless expression.
"WELL IT APPEARS THAT WAS SOMEONE IN THE CHALLENGER'S ENTOURAGE! NOW, A WORD FROM THE HOST NARAKU!" The announcer yelled.
The camera turned onto Naraku and his woman Kagura sitting in a sky box above the fight. They appeared on several large screens in view of the crowd. He spoke into a microphone.
"You all are probably wondering why a professionally trained fighter is going up against an untrained demon. This is a fight for love. This demon stole Kohaku's woman and now Kohaku will fight to get her back!" Naraku said.
The camera turned to Rin. When she saw herself on screen she quickly covered her face in embarrassment. The crowd whistled at her.
"That pretty young woman was Kohaku's fiancé until this demon came into her life and tricked her. Tonight, she will return home." Naraku said causing the crowd to cheer loudly.
"Let the fight begin!"
The referee entered the ring. Kohaku and Sesshomaru stepped forward toward the center of the ring.
"Okay fellas, nothing about this fight will be clean. This is an anything goes, no holds barred fight to the death if you want. You ready? I'm out of here! Begin!" The ref yelled as he quickly ran out of the ring.
Neither moved. They stared at each other with contempt.
"You're going to pay for fucking my girl." Kohaku said.
He made the first move going in for a quick and powerful kick but Sesshomaru easily dodged by jumping into the air. Kohaku followed with swing after swing trying to land a blow on the demon he was fighting. But he simply could not touch him. Sesshomaru avoided every single attack gracefully. It was as if he was dancing across the ring while Kohaku followed relentlessly. While Sesshomaru's movements were light and deliberate, Kohaku's were wild and forced. He put on an elegant show of skill with ease showing Kohaku that he was grossly outmatched without even having to touch him.
Inu watched from the side with amusement. It seemed his son was going to let the human exhaust himself.
That was exactly what he planned to do. Sesshomaru thought things over and decided instead of killing Kohaku he would just let him kill himself. This way Rin would hold no resentment toward him. But that did not mean he would not get a few marks on him.
"Stop running!" Kohaku yelled.
Sesshomaru stopped in his tracks and grabbed Kohaku's incoming fist. With a flick of his wrist he threw Kohaku into the steel cage surrounding the ring. The crowd gasped. No one had ever seen Kohaku handled in such a way. Sesshomaru stood watching to see if he would get up.
Kohaku sat up slowly; he wiped blood from his mouth and smirked. "Now you're ready to fight huh? You are going to pay for that." He walked over to a member of his team as they handed him a weapon that appeared to be a sickle attached to a chain.
"This match is anything goes. Meet my Kusarigama; it's made of demon bone. I need a new one; I think your bones would suffice." Kohaku laughed.
Sango's eyes widened as she saw the ancient weapon. That was a family heirloom from hundreds of years ago. What was he doing with that? Did he even know how to use it?
Sesshomaru barely had time to react as Kohaku sent the sickle at him inhumanly fast. He could sense the demon energy coming from the weapon. This was not something a human of this day and age should have been able to handle. He dodged each swing knowing that if that weapon hit him it could cause some damage. He figured it was time to actually fight. Sesshomaru flew as high as the cage allowed.
Kohaku laughed as he sent the sickle flying at him, that idiot has nowhere to run this time he thought. Sesshomaru had to time it perfectly, he only had a second. Pulling out his poison whip he caught the sickle right before it would have slashed into his torso. His poison green whip wrapped around it; he flipped down to the ring floor pulling the weapon toward him. Kohaku tried his hardest to hold on to the weapon but as Sesshomaru pulled on it his hands began to chafe. Kohaku had to let it go but he would not stop. Seeing an opportunity he chased the chain preparing to land a powerful kick while the demon's hands were full. Seeing this, Sesshomaru dropped the weapon reaching out and grabbing Kohaku by the ankle. He slammed him onto the ring floor hard. It all happened in a matter of seconds.
Sesshomaru could have gone for the kill here but he did not. He loomed over Kohaku as the beaten man lay on the ring floor.
"Give up."
Kohaku struggled to sit up but he would not show weakness. He groaned as he sat up; his head was spinning and he felt searing pain in his back. He defiantly spit at Sesshomaru's feet, some of it actually landing on him. "You're nothing but a filthy demon. You bewitched my girl didn't you? How does it feel knowing that I was the first man inside of her not you. She will always belong to me." He said struggling to get to his feet.
Once Kohaku stood, Sesshomaru punched him in his face hard sending him flying into the steel cage again. The sound of Kohaku's jaw cracking was audible. The crowd gasped. Sesshomaru advanced on him grabbing him by his neck and lifting him from the ground. Kohaku's words enraged him. The spit on his feet disrespected his person. This fool was begging to die. Sesshomaru stood in the middle of the ring with a badly bruised and bloodied Kohaku dangling in his grip.
Rin couldn't take it. Was he about to kill him? "Sesshomaru! Don't!" She cried.
"Kohaku please just give up!" Sango screamed as well.
"Hush!" Inukimi suddenly said to both of the girls. "Do not confuse him with your silly human emotions. They both entered this fight knowing what was at stake. Kohaku chose this. Do not interfere."
Rin stared at Inukimi but kept her mouth shut. Inukimi was right but this was going to be hard to watch. She squeezed her eyes shut hoping it would all be over soon. Sango stared in horror trying to hold it together. Miroku held her tightly. Inuyasha looked over at Kagome as she squeezed his hand. He pulled her closer to support her.
Kohaku boldly stared into Sesshomaru's eyes. "Kill me, if you don't I'll keep coming for you."
Sesshomaru's grip tightened on Kohaku's neck. He glanced at his father whose face was stony as he watched. That face meant that he approved. He glanced at his mother, she had the same look. But then he glanced at Rin, her eyes were squeezed shut and she was trembling. What would she think of him? The last thing he wanted was for Rin to be afraid of him but there she was trembling in fear with no one to support her. For the first time he thought about someone other than himself. If she was not here he would not have hesitated but…
His grip loosened. He dropped a gasping Kohaku to the ground.
Sango released the breath she did not know she was holding.
Inu no Taisho, Inukimi and Inuyasha all stared with a look of bewilderment. They were witnessing something unprecedented. Sesshomaru had never hesitated to kill someone. Disturbed by the silence, Rin slowly opened her eyes to find Sesshomaru standing over Kohaku but staring at her with an unreadable expression. His mouth was slightly parted open as if he could not believe what he just did himself. Was he in shock?
Kohaku smirked as he was still catching his breath. "I told you to kill me. Now you will die."
"Kohaku catch." A member of his entourage threw a mask at him then they all ran away from the ring. Kohaku barely had time to put the mask on before a barrier surrounded the ring and it began to fill with a thick, purple smoke.
"Sesshomaru! What is this!?" Inu no Taisho yelled desperately. He could smell some of the gas that seeped out, it burned his nostrils. He noticed Jaken becoming dizzy, barely able to stand. He grabbed the little toad and made his way to the group.
Inukimi was distraught. "What's happening!? I can no longer see them."
A deep, unsettling laugh could be heard over the intercom. "What you are witnessing is a miasma match. Our fighters will now fight in the poisonous gas of my miasma for five minutes. Only one shall emerge victorious." Naraku said.
At first the crowd was not sure what to make of this. They could no longer see the fight, some were frightened. The stadium was anxiously quiet while they waited to see who would emerge.
Dread settled in the pit of Rin's stomach. How could this be happening? She felt incredibly guilty. She should have just let him kill Kohaku. Now she didn't know if he was dying in there. If I lose him I don't know what I will do. Please…don't die.
"Sesshomaru!" Rin screamed desperately.
Author's Note: So sorry for the cliffy but I thought that was a good place to stop. OMG….I'm so nervous! Love can make you do some crazy things. Until next time, I'll be writing!