For the 'hope' theme from luxken27's 2014 Summer Mini Challenge (now ended obviously, but I'm still using the prompts to finish this story). Requirements - over 100 words with no upper limit. This one has 554.
'Lacing' is when a boxer uses the laces on the inside of his glove to push or rub against his opponent's face. It can cut the skin, and is severely distracting. A lacing punch is illegal in boxing, although there are boxers who use them effectively because intentional lacing punches are difficult to spot.
Lacing
He knew what he'd find at the bottom of the stairs before he stepped outside, but he waited until the door lock slid into place before looking. "What do you want?"
Byakuya grinned. "Naraku wants to speak with you," he said, gesturing to the street.
"I am going to the fights. That is what he requested," answered Sesshoumaru.
"That's what he ordered," Byakuya said, wagging a finger at him. "And this is an order too. He's waiting."
Sesshoumaru pushed past the other demon and stepped out onto the street, where two large, black SUVs were illegally parked at the curb. He slid into the back of the first one and found Naraku sipping at some bourbon. The car moved forward as soon as Sesshoumaru was in his seat.
He hated these games of silent intimidation. "You asked to see me."
Naraku's red eyes turned on him. "Given your desire for perfection, I had such hope you'd be an asset to my organization. But you've been a disappointment, Sesshoumaru."
The taiyoukai scowled. "I have done what you've asked. I protect your money and your businesses. I threaten those that owe you. Have you had one loss while I have stood guard? Have I failed to getting you the last coins of those people you extort? You keep me on the level of one of your common thugs, so that is the performance you will receive."
"So I've bored you?" Naraku asked. His teeth flashed. "Good. I feared that you'd lost your appetite for spilling blood."
"There is no pleasure in making a shopkeeper bleed."
"You need a challenge, and you're in luck. I have one for you," said Naraku. He plucked a photograph from his suit pocket. "His name is Moryomaru."
Sesshoumaru studied the photo for a moment. Moryomaru was a horror - a conglomeration of mismatched parts in gargantuan, unwieldy sizes. Most such demons lived in the mountains and forests. Their physical shapes did not lend them to easy integration with humanity. "What has he done to incur your wrath?"
"That's not your concern."
"I prefer to have a reason for killing someone." He had never needed a reason in the past, but those were his own, bloodthirsty whims. And that was a long time ago.
Naraku smiled. "Isn't it enough that he's absorbed several powerful demons for his own gain? He's a threat to everyone. Not just to my business interests."
"Then why haven't the police dealt with him?"
"You would have to ask them. But I'm not in the habit of calling the police with these issues." He finished off his bourbon, and the ice rattled against the glass. "Anyway, the police would try to take him in alive. I want him to disappear. Clean and quiet. Not a drop of blood to indicate he's done anything but run."
"If he has been absorbing other demons, he is powerful. There will be a fight," Sesshoumaru said.
"Then it should be a challenge to be subtle," Naraku answered with a flash of teeth. The car rolled to a stop, and the door opened. "I expect it to be done within three days."
Sesshoumaru stepped out of the car, ignoring Byakuya's smirk as he walked into the warehouse.
Three days. He had three days until he broke free or until Naraku owned him forever.