Author's Rant: I'm horrible, I know. I've been in a major rut and lost most of my inspiration. I wish like Hell the motivation to update regularly was still there, but it's gradually waning. Please try to understand that I've gone through a lot in the past year and my situations are becoming more stressful. I do appreciate those of you who were kind enough to send me a message to check on me. You're all sweethearts. Please forgive me for my late, spacious updates guys. One of these days I'll find a routine to fall back into. Anyway, enjoy the next chapter and please excuse any mistakes.

Phase Four

Hiten adjusts the fire burning beneath his beaker after sprinkling the last ounce of ground mint and sawgrass into the solution, humming curiously as the color stabilizes from a transparent blue to a deep purple. He reaches around for his notepad to record the strange change and goes to inspect his partner's own project.

He isn't at all surprised to find Tsukuyomaru's ingredients still lain out in the exact order they were organized in since their assignment started. The dark toned teen's beaker fluids were as clear as the space next to it, which should have been occupied by that idiot, but of course he's MIA. Sighing irritably, Hiten removes his apron and goes in search of his missing friend. It's fortunate for them that their teacher was so laidback and allowed each station to be governed by a senior. Otherwise, for every time Tsukuyomaru dips out of class, he would've been suspended on grounds of consistent absences.

Hiten makes sure to show his experiment to today's senior before excusing himself for a fake bathroom break. It wasn't like it was a total lie. He knows where Tsukuyomaru's dumb self has disappeared to and it just so happens to be in the same direction as the boy's restroom.

He screws his face into a tight scowl as he marches through the hall. At the end are the three flights of stairs that'd lead him to that idiot and likely the others distracting him from achieving at least a B average in their chemistry class. Sometimes Hiten wonders how the two of them even manage to sustain a strong friendship. They barely have anything in common outside of having psycho fathers. He loves science, movies, reading, hiking and anything considered nerdy. Meanwhile, Tsukuyomaru fits the stereotypical jock who's into hanging out with his bulky friends, video games, skateboarding and sports. The saying is that opposites attract, but who's to say that relates to them.

Hiten reaches the school roof's door and opens the door to a spacious, fenced in flat service. "Seriously," he grumbles, hearing the rowdy cheers and whoops of the class skippers. He walks towards the noise scratching his head.

Hiten stalks around the corner, discovering Tsukuyomaru playing a card game with three of his teammates: Jura their lead quarterback, Menomaru the principal's son and football team's best kicker, and lastly Ryura their wider receiver and probably the only one besides Tsukuyomaru who's been approached by a scout in his freshman year.

"Gon' head and grab that book son," is what Tsukuyomaru says, drawing a card to slap in the center of their circle. "I gotcha covered till next week."

"That's what I'm talkin' 'bout." Ryura snickers ruthlessly, as he flicks a useless card out to match his partners, and smirks saucily at their opponents. "I'm gonna warn ya'll right now to save yourself the humiliation of being set. Otherwise be prepared for a full day's worth of bragging rights."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, say that shit after the game," grunts Jura, and tosses out a card. "Now gimme my fuckin' card."

Hiten folds his arms and rolls his eyes. It's always the same with these guys.

Menomaru suddenly gasps. "What the fuck man! You just threw out of turn!"

"Ah shit, I thought he already went!"

"Nah you fool. Jesus, we can't afford to lose no damn books!"

Tsukuyomaru roared with laughter before leaning between the group to slap a high-five with Ryura. "Rack that shit up baby. As a matter of fact, gon' head and give us the last three." And with that said, he flash his two jokers and ace. "I had this game from the start."

Jura and Menomaru groaned and flung in their last cards. Ryura held out his hand expectantly to collect the loser's wages. "Better luck next time gentlemen. Lunch is definitely on ya'll today."

"Man, fuck this."

"Dude, I'm sorry."

"Shut up apologizing!" Menomaru snaps, smacking Jura on the back of the head. "That's the third time you cost us a game. I ain't got money to waste like that. That my whole week's allowance. My parents are gonna kill me!"

"Then stop comin' to the games knowin' yo' cheap ass can't afford to lose. No one's makin' you empty yo' pockets."

Having heard enough, Hiten loudly clears his throat, effectively startling the foursome silent. "Excuse me gentlemen," he starts approaching, folding his arms. "I hate to be that guy, but I'm gonna need to borrow this fool here," he says, jerking a thumb in Tsukuyomaru's direction. "We've got work to do and if I don't literally drag him back to class, he won't come."

"Awww, isn't that just precious," coos Jura. "We didn't know you had a babysitter, Shawl."

Tsukuyomaru rolls his eyes as he climbed to his feet. "Shut your face, Jura." Then he turns to face his best friend, mimicking his stance by folding his arms and looking just as annoyed. "Sheesh Hiten, what's the rush? You're actin' like we don't have another forty-five minutes of class left."

"Dude for real? That mixture takes half the class to concoct. Do you know how long it takes powdered monarch to properly dissolve after being cooled to room temperature?"

Tsukuyomaru groans. "I am really tryin' to give a damn about this class, but you know my attention span is 'bout as short as your patience."

"Or about as short a drop as your IQ to the damn ground."

"Ouch, tell me how you really feel." Tsukuyomaru sighs, rubbing the back of his neck when Hiten adopts a harder glare. "Fine, fine, fine, let's go."

"Now hold on just a sec."

The pair both turn towards the person requesting their attention. Ryura stands as well, shuffling the deck of cards in his hand. Hiten looks him up and down for interrupting their chat—like really, really gets a good, long, hard look at this guy because Jesus Christ where has this one been hiding?

Hiten knew him as Ryura Macintosh from afar, but this is the very first time he's seen the junior up close. It's amazing what a shorten distance can do in improving a person's appearance. He was wearing a grey, sleeveless Nike pullover, dark blue and smoke grey warmup pants and white low top Air Force Ones. His blue hair was bound high on his head in a thick plait that drapes down his back like braided ice. And those red eyes remind Hiten of blood spilled under sunlight.

Hiten almost, almost licked his dry lips. 'Damn, he looks good.'

"Excuse me, I see we have a mutually rude friend." Ryura saunter's over, maneuvering himself directly in the middle of Hiten and Tsukuyomaru's personal circle and held out his hand. "The name's Ryura Macintosh and your name isssss probably gonna sound as sweet as you look . . ."

Hiten visibly jolts in place when his hand is taken and brought up to Ryura's lips.

Ryura winks. "Yum, and taste."

He chuckles nervously, drawing his hand free. He didn't know why, but just looking at this guy gave him a wicked case of butterflies.

"Erm, H-Hiten Saotome."

"Hi-ten," Ryura's deep voice literally drowns Hiten's name in cool delight. "Just as I thought. S' very sexy." He steps forward, crowding Hiten's personal space to the brink of suffocation. "Ya know what, I'd hate for you to be late for class. Why don't we go ahead and give you a proper escort there?" Though he says we, his eyes were so focused purely on Hiten and only Hiten.

Hiten clears his throat, rubbing the back of his neck. "S-sure, OK. Thanks, but you know y-you don't have to."

"Of course I do. A pretty thing like you deserves—"

Then comes the loudest throat clearing in the universe. Tsukuyomaru roughly wedges himself between them, eyeing Ryura down. "I think we're good Ryura. 'Sides, I need to talk to my best friend. Alone. I'll catch ya'll at practice."

Ryura lifts his eyebrow, mouth turning downward. "Yeah, you will." Then he turns a sharp smile at Hiten. "Me and you can catch up later, gorgeous."

Hiten's face glows red. "Yeah, you too."

"Oh hey, what's your number?"

"My-my number?"

"Nope!" Tsukuyomaru sharp stamps that negative response in and grabs Hiten's hand, taking long strides towards the stairwell so that his best friend has no chose but to run to keep up. And he kept that pace for most of the trip back to their class.

It's when they reach the door when Hiten finally gains some of his head back and digs his heels into the floor and yanks back. "Do you mind? I'm about to catch a cramp!"

Tsukuyomaru slows his pace, but doesn't let go. He pauses outside the classroom door, seems to ponder something as a blank expression comes over his face, then he pivots on his heel and pulls them towards the boys' bathroom. Hiten, meanwhile is confused by his friend's odd behavior, but thinks better of asking. Normally when Tsukuyomaru is upset he says what's on his mind after they gain some privacy.

When he's sure no one's inside, Tsukuyomaru finally let's go and goes to lean against the sink nearest the window and folds his arms, head bowed and eyes closed. Hiten simply stood where he was dropped off, rubbing over his tender wrist, patiently waiting for an explanation.

After several minutes of silence, Tsukuyomaru finally lifts his head and the glare in his eyes is so bright, Hiten thought a fire could start. But as quickly as it flashes, the sight lessens to a dull glare.

"You need to stay away from him," he grumbles, fingers drumming in the crook of his arm. "Ryura's nothin' but a dog. Probably the biggest one on the team."

Hiten blinks again and again, tilting his head. "How do you know?"

It was Tsukuyomaru's turn to blink stupidly. "Uh, I've known the guy since pre-school. Even back then it was kind of obvious he was destined for Hoeville. I could give a flyin' shit who he deep dicks on a daily basis, but I'll be damn if you're added to his list of conquests. So, just take my advice and seek other alternatives."

Hiten's mouth twists to the side. A part of him wanted to believe that Tsukuyomaru wanted to look out for him and be that great friend. However, given his prior history on things. . . "So, what you're sayin' is, at this point that's all I seem to attract, right?"

"Come again—"

"Hojo, Suikotsu, and even Manten?"

"Whoa, wait," Tsukuyomaru chuckles, cocking an eyebrow. "What are you insinuating?"

"That you have a jealousy complex."

Tsukuyomaru's smile drops like a stone. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me. It's absolutely fine for you to flirt and tease in front of me, but let me do just an ounce of the same and it's all, 'Oh he's a dog, she's a train wreck, he's gonna break your heart'—"

"Uh, that's because they all were. Anytime someone shows you a little attention you get all hot in the ass—"

Hiten gasped. "Excuse fuckin' me? What the Hell did you say to me, skank?"

"You heard me, tramp!"

"You're impossible. It's always like this with you!"

"I only interfere when you act like a damn virgin caught in a strip joint full of dicks!"

"Because you don't trust me to make my own decisions. You're just fine with me being a lonely nerd. God, you're impossible to deal with sometimes!"

That shut Tsukuyomaru up right away. Blowing out a heavy winded breath, Tsukuyomaru paces from one end of the bathroom to the other. The whole while Hiten crosses his arms, perching his back against one of the sinks to calm his own anger. These kind of arguments were common between the two. They never last long and they ever, ever apologize to one another when it is over. Doing so kind of put a bookmark on the fact that they had a moment where they didn't get along and remember that fact sucked.

"Just stay away from Ryura, cool?" Tsukuyomaru says, coming to stand in front of his friend. He stoops his head so low, the tip of his nose brushes over Hiten's. "If I'm cockblockin' ya, it's only because I care. I'm not tryin' to see ya get hurt and I sure as shit can't afford a suspension on my record."

Hiten averts his eyes away. Suddenly his stomach's performing somersaults and every acrobatic trick. "Whatever," he breathes and shimmies his way past the tiny space between Tsukuyomaru and the sink. After composing himself to some semblance of control and being sure his heart's calmed down some, he says, "So what's next on our agenda with our dads?"

With a new objective to focus on, Tsukuyomaru's all too eager for a change in topic. "Glad you asked. I already have an idea in mind." He walks over to loop his hefty arm around Hiten neck and hugs him to his side. "Do you and your dad ever go to the gym?"

Hiten mocks a gag while tugging down on Tsukuyomaru's arm. "Every Saturday afternoon we go to the downtown dojo. It doubles as a gym and a dojo."

"Ohhhh snap, this just got super interestin'. Me and Dad always go to the gym together. I already know how I want this to play out."

"How?"

Tsukuyomaru grins like a shark. "My dad's insanely competitive."

"So is anyone else with a nut sack. Your point?"

"Ah, remember you're still getting to know my old man." Tsukuyomaru taps his chin in thought, then snaps his fingers. "What's your dad into? Weight training, cardio?"

"Sparring."

"Ohhh shit, that's even better!"

Hiten shakes his head. "Oh no it's not bro, trust me. You've never seen my father in action."

"Pfft, a human ain't gonna take down my dad. That's good wishful thinkin' though."

"You've never seen my dad in a match dude. He waxes the floor with demons like it's a part time job. Full blooded demons. He knocked the glorified shit out of some ox demon dude with one blow to the jaw. They had to carry him outta there on two stretchers."

Tsukuyomaru shrugs, unimpressed. "My dad cleared out a whole trap house with a glare and one bullet."

Hiten lifts an eyebrow. ". . . Ya know what, they have institutions for people like your dad."

"Shut up and help me plan this. Everything's gotta be set just right."

Hiten sighs before discreetly making a cross sign over his chest. "Well, here's to hoping Mr. Shawl comes out of this intact."

Takemuyo's Fitness Dojo. If there were ever such a place Inuyasha could call his own personal slice of heaven, it was this beautiful establishment here. There's nowhere else in the entire country he would rather be then this place. Aside from his beloved Tessaiga of course; that place has a special place in his heart that can never be replaced.

However, if there were any other places to compete against the Tessaiga for his heart, it would assuredly be the Fitness Dojo. A great open span of arenas were arranged in this section of the business where fighters of all varieties came to test their limits, perfect their skill and experiment on the latest techniques. And it's always done in good sport.

Fuck that. Inuyasha wasn't about showing good sportsmanship. He relished the idea of whooping anyone's ass who stepped into his ring. And today was no exception. He was coming with the thunder today.

Every spare weekend he had, he utilized the chance to reserve Ring 12 in the center of the room because it was the only place where even those who came to the gym could get an eyeful of his matches. His personal score sat on the front of his ring, bright and boldly written to advertise to any and all challengers to see.

A flawless score of 157 to 0. He set the record for single best winning streaks last week after surpassing the dojo's owner and earning his name on the wall. Inuyasha has every intention of maintaining his title today too. The room's teeming with potential victims and he's all too eager to get started.

"Um, Dad, I really don't think today is the day to bust skulls."

Inuyasha chuckles as he completes tightening the cotton hand-wraps around his palm. "You say that every time we come here, kid."

"Maybe because I don't wanna carry you home in a body bag." Hiten comes to the edge of the ring, crossing his arms over the ring's platform. "Don't you get tired of the mindless violence? What if someone breaks your hand or arm? Then how are you gonna run the Tessaiga? Need I remind you that I'm a teenage boy and I have no intentions of getting a part-time job to support your handicapped corpse!"

"Someday son, you're gonna learn to have fate in your ole man one." After securing his hair in a thick braid, Inuyasha began working on his full body stretches. "But you're more uptight than usual. What's got you so worked up?"

Hiten pouts. "I take serious offense to being called uptight from someone who wears the title like a championship belt." The teen hooks his finger through the thick green sash around his karategi, anxiously rocking back and forth on the ball of his heels. "I don't think there's anything wrong with being overly cautious. One of us has to be the responsible adult here!"

Inuyasha finishes a rep of twenty perfect quad and thigh stretches before working his way up to his triceps, biceps and shoulders. "You should be stretching. I don't plan to take it easy on you today."

"And that's another thing Dad!" Hiten grabs ahold of the ropes and hauls himself into the ring. "Why do you gotta make me do this stuff? What kind of parent encourages their kid to use fist over words?"

"You have to learn to protect yourself kiddo. You need help with the groin stretch?"

Hiten sighs. "Sure." He sits on the floor, aligns his feet and leans forward. Inuyasha positions himself behind him, pressing his palms into Hiten's shoulders and gently coaxes him forward. "I really, really, really think there are more productive activities we can indulge in today." He grunts before spreading his legs and signaling for his dad to repeat the gesture.

Inuyasha laughs a little. "Duly noted."

"And ignored."

"Hey are you Inuyasha Saotome?"

Hiten and Inuyasha simultaneously glance up towards the source of the rugged voice and finds a thickly muscular bear demon approaching the area with two other full blooded demons in tow. The guy looks like his body is made entirely of illegal steroids and vitamins.

Inuyasha rights himself, stepping around to meet the challenger. "Yeah, what's up?"

The man pounds a large fist into his meaty chest. "I'm gonna be your first and last opponent, Dominic Roshi. I haul from a long line of—"

"Cool, get on up here." Inuyasha beckons the man up with a quick wave of his hand, already going toward the center of the ring.

Inuyasha's bland enthusiasm is mildly unsettling for the newcomer. "Oh, um, well, alright then." The bear demon blinks at his comrades, shrugs then steps up the ramp and dips beneath the ropes.

Hiten rolls his eyes, clapping a hand over his face. "Dude, you're about to be the first in a long line of beat downs."

The bear demon pauses. "What was that, runt?"

"I said if you value your manhood, you better get outta this ring while it's still intact!"

The adult bear demon snorts, flicking his wrist at the boy. "Don't you have homework to do? Run along while the men get to work."

"Whatever dude. It's your funeral." With that said, Hiten clamores down the ramp leaning to the audience section and grabs the first chair facing his father's ring. Hiten knows he's probably overreacting about this idea, but Tsukuyomaru doesn't know Inuyasha Saotome. A person's bloodline has absolutely nothing to do with them being a good warrior these days. The human has wrecked more lives and damaged enough self-esteems to make any therapist rich from the aftermath.

Hiten props his chin in the spread of his hands and dully studies over the bear demon and his father taking their respective positions before each other. The bear demon roars and smacks his fists together, the sound explosive and impressive to surrounding onlookers. Except Hiten. To him the big oaf looked like he was just tenderizing his own flesh.

The bear, predictably takes the first strike, thrusting his large fist at top speed. Inuyasha's reaction is quick and precise. Stretching forward with both hands, Inuyasha seizes the demon's wrist, braced his right foot flat and twisted his entire body around—carrying the large brute overhead head and flat on his back, slamming with an atomic force.

"Oh my God!" someone screamed in the background.

Hiten just blew out, shaking his head. "This oughta be one for the record books," he grumbles, as his father politely eased the unconscious demon towards the edge of the ring for his friends to retrieve.

"Make sure you have an aspirin waiting for him when he wakes up," Inuyasha quietly advised to them. "It'll lessen the pain after a few minutes."

The crew nod gratefully and hurriedly carry their friend to the recovery chamber.

Inuyasha took a deep breath, flexed his arms, then turned to face the crowd. "Who's next?"

And from there on, another four opponents took to the ring, thinking for some reason the outcome would be different for them. Each one meant a very similar fate from the last, each either getting slammed or tossed from the arena with minimum effort. Hiten checks the wall clock for the third time, wishing just once that it would slow down, but faith isn't so kind. No sooner had the clock chimed one o'clock, Hiten turns his head around toward the dojo's entrance and sees Tsukuyomaru entering wearing a purple spandex t-shirt and black Nike sweatpants.

And not far behind him is his father carry a gym bag, dressed in a solid white sleeveless body armor spandex shirt and smoke grey jersey shorts. No sooner does he step through the rotating glass door, Inuyasha is flipping his fifth opponent on his backside, and wringing his right arm behind his back.

"Submit!" Inuyasha orders.

The challenger snarls, but reluctantly slams his left hand flat on the arena floor, signaling his submission. Inuyasha immediately stands, offering his hand to the guy and hauls him up.

"Good job man. Keep working at it."

"Thanks Mr. Inuyasha. I gotta say, I thought I would stay a chance this round . . ."

Hiten wasn't sure where it came from, but a sub-zero chill suddenly gripped at his insides. He shivers and glances behind him again to find Mr. Shawl smirking. One of the most diabolical, evil smiles he'd ever seen on a person.

Hiten looks at his father, blissfully unaware of the approaching threat, then at Mr. Shawl, the twinkle in his gold eyes full of cruel intent. Hiten groans, throwing an arm over his eyes and sinks low in his seat. He knew this was a rotten idea. . . This is not going to end well.

Well, well, well, Christmas has certainly come early.

Sesshomaru loosely hands over his and Tsukuyomaru's gym bag, and wordlessly directs his son to the men's changing room while he makes his way toward the dojo area.

Tsukuyomaru didn't think this would work so fast and didn't think he could move as quick either because he was sprinting to the men's changing room and dumping their stuff in a locker and running out the door before he could blink. By the time he bypassed the receptionist's desk, his father had reached the back of the growing crowd and was maneuvering his way through.

A jolt of warm giddiness erupted up and down Tsukuyomaru's body. He can't remember the last time he'd seen his father so excited and it was so plainly visible on his face! This has to be one of the best ideas they've ever come up with.

The resounding slam echoes through the Fitness Center like a siren. It's as if fate wanted that to be the first thing Sesshomaru notices when he entered the business because he has eyes for nothing else, but that cocky, arrogant chef as he laid waste to that lightweight challenger.

Inu-ya-sha.

Sesshomaru reaches the edge of the ring, narrowing his eyes, intently focus on Inuyasha as he helped the kid up to his feet. The way he yanks him forward without a grunt or loss of breath spoke high of his strength. There's some muscle underneath that chef's suit for sure and if Sesshomaru hadn't been entirely sure, the open gap in Inuyasha's karategi provided plenty of evidence. He is toned, pectorals defined and glossy from a light film of sweat coating his tan skin.

He hears a soft snigger behind his head. "Play nice, Dad."

Sesshomaru shifts his gaze to the right where his son comes forward, watching as adamantly as the rest of the audience.

"I know that look," Tsukuyomaru goes on to say, barely able to hide his amusement. "That's the same face you made when you caught the ice cream man at McDonald's."

"He was stealing a cookie," Sesshomaru coolly explains. "And he tripped."

"Into your fist and the emergency room?" Tsukuyomaru playfully rolls his eyes, waving his hand. "Just don't do the same here. Not that I think you could anyway."

"Come again?"

"I mean it's nothing for real. I just overheard Hiten telling a couple of our classmates how Mr. Saotome's one of the best fighters here. He hasn't loss a single match since he registered."

Sesshomaru's smirk becomes dangerous. "Is that so?"

"Yep, but anyway, let's go get our reps in. I still gotta mow the lawn and wash the car when we get home." Not that Tsukuyomaru was heading towards the gym section anyway. He'd spotted Hiten while walking up to his father's side and made a beeline for that spot there since he knew his father had suddenly developed tunnel vision. As far as he was concerned, nothing existed outside of Inuyasha Saotome.

'So, he hasn't lost a match? Interesting.' Sesshomaru's mind practically purred at the idea of rattling this human's spirit. Such a prospect was far too tempting to pass up. Any opportunity to stir the pot as they say.

When Inuyasha finished helping the young man out of the ring, he wiped his hand over his brow before readjusting his sash. He shook off any tightness in his shoulders and turned to scan the crowd.

"Next up!" He called out.

Not surprising, no one stepped forward. This was the usual reaction after he completed his fifth round, which was very disappointing. So far he's yet to meet a person who could meet him blow for blow or had his endurance. A pity. He has so much energy to burn off and it's so boring taking it out on the punching bags.

Inuyasha smirks to himself, shaking his head sympathetically. He couldn't blame a single one of them, and wouldn't goat them on. It wasn't really honorable. But there was one who he held plenty of authority over and the brat was getting rusty anyway.

"Alright Hiten!" Inuyasha loudly announced, drawing even more attention towards their ring. He leans over the top rope, gesturing as he held the rope down, "Front and center, squirt. You need work . . ." So, his reaction wasn't exactly immediate as it should have been when Inuyasha spotted that dark skinned kid his son had a crush on. Inuyasha reserved his concentration on quickly finding the kid's obnoxious father because as of late, wherever this kid was, the older Shawl wasn't too far behind.

"I'll take you on."

Warning bells screamed in Inuyasha's brain at that deep, quiet voice breezing the back of his ear. Inuyasha had one breathless moment to comprehend the situation he was in. The one to challenger him managed to creep into the ring and cross the distance to reach him silent as an owl in mid-flight. And it would be Shawl of all people.

Inuyasha serenely held firm to his composure and stayed facing forward. "This'll be interesting," he murmurs. "Alrighty, Shawl, I already see where this is gonna go. No sense in trying to convince you that you're making a grand mistake by coming up here."

"I'll call you on that one, Inu-ya-sha."

"Real mature, Dog Man; harping on my name when I still don't know yours."

Inuyasha sense him getting close and his intuition proved correct when his whole backside became slightly warmed.

"You're free to wager for it."

Inuyasha's brow furrowed. "For your first name? Intriguing proposition, but terribly light." He finally turns to face Shawl, keeping the same short distance between them. Up close, it's horrible how much taller the bastard is, but Inuyasha doesn't back down. "Add something else to sweeten the deal."

Shawl places his hands on his hips, dipping his head lower to Inuyasha's height. "Such as? What do you want?"

"Peace of mind." Inuyasha frowns, hard. "If I win, I get your name and I want you to leave me the Hell alone. If you happen to see me, go in the other direction. Don't breathe my air, don't cross my path, cut all ties and methods of communication by any means necessary."

"Pfft, done." Shawl shrugs, eyes low and amused. "Though I admit it'll be a shame to waste such entertainment. I enjoy fuckin' with you."

Inuyasha smirks evilly. "Now your turn."

Shawl makes show of rubbing his chin in thought, then snaps his fingers and points his finger in Inuyasha's face. "If I win, I want free meals on weekends at your restaurant."

"Fuck you, no dice."

"That's my wager." Sesshomaru chuckles. "Scared you'll lose?"

"In your dreams," snorts Inuyasha. "I just don't wanna give you the satisfaction of eating my good cooking every day."

"So, you sayin' you doubt your own skills." Sesshomaru tucked a loose strand of silver hair behind his ear. "I mean, just say you submit and we'll call it even. You can walk away with your tail between your legs and half your dignity since the other half's been demolished."

Inuyasha's eye twitched—he cracked his knuckles. "You're on." He snaps his wrist towards his son. "Ring the goddamn bell!"

Hiten stumbles out of his chair to rush over and pop the bell. The younger Shawl throws his head back and cackled. "It's on now baby!"

"The rules are simple—" Inuyasha starts just to be cut off.

"First one down on a ten count loses." Shawl puts some distance between them, glancing over his shoulder. "Right?"

Inuyasha rolls his neck from side to side. "Whatever floats your boat, sport." Inuyasha stiffens his upper back, then takes a hunkered stance, fists at the ready. "Try not to blink, it'll be over before you know it."

Shawl chuckles, standing tall. "We'll see." But stand is all he does. He doesn't take a fighter's pose or put up a guard.

Inuyasha frowns. "What are you doing? Defend yourself!"

"I will when you give me a reason to."

"Suit yourself." If he wants to leave himself open, who was Inuyasha but a teacher to the ignorant?

Inuyasha raised his fists eye level, braced his weight on his left foot, then swung a fast right hook. This one always worked in delivering an unsuspecting knockout since most full blood demons underestimate the strength behind Inuyasha's hits. As expected of the arrogant bastard, Sesshomaru doesn't budge an inch and takes the full blunt of the hit square on the cheek.

Inuyasha smirks. . . then frowned. The bastard stays still, expression remote, almost bored. Inuyasha draws back, stunned, switching his gaze between his fist and Sesshomaru's uninjured face.

A delayed pain suddenly shoots through his fist, an agony like fire pulsing beneath the skin of his knuckles. He wrings his fist and inspect it to find his knuckles reddened.

"That's cute," Sesshomaru muses as he raises his hand to graze his cheek. "I felt a tingle behind that one."

OK, so he's tougher than the average bear. No biggie. Inuyasha shakes it off and went into another fighter's stance. "Alright, so I might have to actually try this go round."

"Then I'll make an attempt to impress you." Sesshomaru shifts his weight back on his right foot, rising a jutted palm out. "After gauging your strength, I guesstimate a five-minute bout."

"Presumptuous of you."

"Not at all. I'm actually being courteous. You're too weak to last that long against me."

'Oh, he's so fucking dead, he doesn't even know it.' Inuyasha inhales and exhales slowly, cracks his neck and retakes a different fighter's pose. "Let's sweeten the wager."

Sesshomaru smirks. "I'm game."

"Free meals anytime."

A shadow passes across Sesshomaru's eyes that grows intensity. His smile becomes lethal. "Free meals anytime?" he repeats. "Make sure you're willing to pay up when this is over."

Inuyasha chuckles deviously. "So sure you're win?"

"I'm more than positive, lil man."

"Gah!" comes the disgruntled noise from the sidelines. "Enough with the talkin'," snaps Tsukuyomaru. "Fight already, I got lunch money wagerin' on this!"

"Same here," adds Hiten, kicking the side of the ring. "They invented telephones for conversations, ya know!"

"Shut up," Inuyasha sharply directs at both the boys. "How the Hell are y'all gonna bet money you ain't even got?!"

"Exactly," snorts Sesshomaru. "This'll probably be the only time I agree with you, but they're right. We've made our points. Let's end this."

"Fine with me." Inuyasha lowers his torso, presses into his heels, and shoots forward, striking out with his right fist.

Sesshomaru spins, swings out his wrist and cross it down over Inuyasha's fist, slamming it to the floor. He takes advantage of their closeness to grab Inuyasha's collar and jerks, snatching the human off balance. Inuyasha reflexively brings his left arm up to block the coming punch and claps his hand over Sesshomaru's and wrestles his grasp off.

The pair separate, Inuyasha a little more off guard then he cares to admit.

"You look flustered," taunts Sesshomaru.

"Hardly." Oh, he was definitely a tad more concerned he cares to admit.

Sesshomaru rushes forward, and dips low, sweeping his foot under. Inuyasha leaps—Sesshomaru recovers, crossing his arm straight at him. Inuyasha takes the hit by way of his arm and feels the recoil snake through to his bone. He lands against the ropes as the aftershock propels him to the edge.

"Whoa," he hears Hiten whisper in awe.

Inuyasha grimaces, realizing that he may have bitten off more than he can chew this time. But a deal is a deal. He made a bet and he's man enough to go through with it until the end. . . even if he just might lose after all.

TBC: From here on, there's going to be plenty of Inuyasha and Sesshomaru.