A New Life For Two

Chapter Fourteen


Sango was led into a large anti-chamber. Small huts were built everywhere leaving a circle about twenty feet in diameter in the middle. There had to be at least fifty ant youkai in the small place. Dread filled her knowing she could likely be in danger here. She took a step backwards to turn around and a hand grabbed her preventing her from leaving. The man from earlier had ahold of her, "You are going to stay."

"Release me," Sango swung her hand up to make contact with his face. The loud slap echoed through the chamber. Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch the two. She probably sealed her fate but she didn't care. No one told her what to do. Gasps and whispers were heard as the man looked down at her.

A laugh tore from his mouth showing, even white pointy teeth. He wasn't that bad to look at Sango decided. Before she could react he grabbed her and slammed his mouth over hers. Panic welled inside when she felt his tongue trying to force its way into her mouth. It made bile rise in her throat, if he didn't stop she'd be puking in his face momentarily. She tried to push him away and struggle wildly which only caused him to become more excited.

"Get your fucking hands off her." The demon released her. He turned to growl at the fool stupid enough to order him around. A fist connected with his jaw, sending him hurling backwards. He looked up when he stopped to see a hanyou holding onto the woman he meant to claim.

Sango had been so relieved she'd thrown herself into his arms without thinking. For a minute she had feared being raped. His arms went around her pulling her close. "Are you okay?" At her nod he turned towards the demon rising to his feet. He towered over Yusuke by several inches. His chest had to be twice the size of Yusuke's. He actually made Yusuke look like a child in comparison. The detective stood his ground. He'd followed the scent of her blood to the den. Fear had gripped him realizing she'd been hurt. Rage filled him when he found the insect pawing at Sango. Her struggles should have told the fool, she didn't want him. His demon side planned on tearing the man apart for touching the woman he wanted.

"Boy, you must want to die." He walked forward.

"I was just about to say the same asshole. I've been itching for a good fight." Yusuke released her and took a step forward cracking his knuckles.

"What right do you have to interfere? I plan on claiming the girl." Sango's face turned into one of pure terror at this announcement.

"You can't have her."

"Like hell I can't. She is unmarked which means she is ripe for the picking. Nor does she smell of you, so she isn't your woman. Step aside unless you are planning on staking a claim on her as well." The demon was hoping the boy would come to his senses. He didn't enjoy killing. Though he owed the little bastard for hitting him. From the looks of things, they had been traveling together. He picked up another female scent on him. Surely if this boy had wanted this girl he'd have taken her by now. Especially since they were traveling alone. The only logical conclusion was that he already had a mate or he didn't want her as a mate. "The only way that girl will leave here will be as your mate. If you try to take her unclaimed, my clan will hunt you down. We know these tunnels very well, you will both die before reaching the surface. If you decide to take her as your mate you will have to fight me for that right. Let me remind you that even if you happen to win the duel, my clan will not let you leave alive unless you have claimed the girl. So what is it to be boy?"

Sango felt her knees give way, she was going to die. Her heart lurched in her chest. She couldn't ask Yusuke to try to run with her, then he would die too. She would tell him to go, leave her. Then when he'd had plenty of time to get away, she'd try to make it out herself. She'd be ruined and would prolly be hunted down in the process but at least he'd be safe. There was no way they could take on over fifty demons in this small space.

"I accept." Yusuke didn't turn to look at her but walked forward to stand infront of the big man. "Where and what are the rules?"

"Fine if you are in that big a hurry to die." He walked away knowing the boy would follow. He led the boy to the center of his home. A line was drawn to indicate the boundary. The circle was only ten feet in diameter. "This is where we will fight. Using only our fist, I will not have my people endangered by a stray blast. The first to be knocked out of this circle loses. The winner will then claim the girl."

Sango felt arms grab her arms and lead her over to where Yusuke stood. She heard the rules and cried out. There was no way Yusuke could fight the demon in hand to hand combat. She knew a great deal about demon traditions. He had already accepted the challenge either he fought or they'd kill him. Either way things didn't look too good for either of them. Arms pulled her roughly around so she could no longer see Yusuke. Two men dragged her away kicking, "Let go of me." They led her into hut in the far corner and thrust her inside.

A woman was inside already. "Come let me tend to your wound and get you prepared."

"Prepared for what?"

"To be mated ofcourse. Our leader will want you to be ready when he is done." The woman stated it like Yusuke had no chance in hell of winning. "Either you can undress willingly or I can summon the guards. You may be strong for a human girl but do you honestly believe you can stop several youkai men at once. If you do protest, our leader may kill the boy instead of just teaching him a lesson. "

Sango's heart sunk as she quickly removed her outfit. She handed it to the woman demanding to have it back after Yusuke kicked their leader's ass. The woman merely smiled at her and nodded. Sango was forced to stand up while the woman bathed her, then tended to the cut on her shoulder. She could hear shouting outside and knew the fight had begun. She was left to wait inside, not knowing what went on inside the circle that would decide her fate.

Yusuke waited for him to throw the first punch, it connected with his jaw. He had to smile it hardly stung. The boy felt a fist land in his stomach knocking the air out of his lungs. 'Okay that one hurt.' He was pushed back a foot. Blow after blow landed on the detective's face as the crowd cheered for their leader. He knew Sango was in the tent being prepared for this cocky bastard. He'd touch the girl over his dead body.

A blow landed across his face, causing blood to splatter from his now busted lip. Tazaki was starting to feeling sorry for the boy. He hadn't landed a punch yet just took the beating. Maybe he hadn't really wanted to claim the girl but had agreed to save face in front of her. Either way he'd soon be out the circle, leaving him to claim the woman. Yusuke was fighting for control of his emotions. He knew the moment he started swinging, he would do what his demonic side had been begging for him to do. This bastard was nothing compared to him, the idea of a duel was foolish. Yet he wouldn't let anyone else claim Sango for their own. He felt himself being pushed back again and stopped thinking. If Keiko found out and got hurt by what was about to happen he'd have to hope she loved him enough to forgive him.

Tazaki brought his fist down to deliver the blow that would send the boy out claiming his victory. His eyes widened when his fist was caught by the boy. He had a cocky smile on his face, "My turn."

Yusuke brought his fist up and slammed it into his ribs, hearing them break on contact. The man staggered back in pain, Yusuke took a step forward, "You lose when out the circle right." He delivered an uppercut sending the demon not only out the circle but several feet away. Ants youkai had to rush out the way from being smashed as his weight fell to the ground. No one spoke as the boy walked over to their leader.

He tried to lean up, "What is your name boy?"

"Yusuke Yurameshi," silence filled the air at the announcement.

"You're Yurameshi," Tazaki was lucky to still be breathing, he knew. "Why? Why accept a challenge? You could have easily taken the girl, we wouldn't have been able to stop you. Hell, we couldn't stop you from taking her now. There is no need for you to claim her." He saw the look on his face. "But you will won't you?"

"Yes."


TA-DA Please read and review