He stood, eyes flashing and his form poised - ready for anything. He had felt the presence before, several times in fact but never actually seen the being . They had remained very elusive, something that pissed him off. He was the best tracker in the business, self made as such too, and the thought that any being could elude him was most upsetting. He narrowed his eyes and scanned the dark alley, knowing they were close by.
" Show yourself !" he demanded.
A loud dark femine chuckle echoed all around him and he moved his eyes in every direction, still not seeing the one the laughter belonged to.
" Are you that frightened of me that you hide in the shadows as a coward ?" he taunted . It would work, it always did.
" Now, now- name calling is so very childish and far beneath one such as you. Why does my presence bother you demon? " there was marked amusement int he voice, it was like she was enjoying it.
" Hn. You trail me for almost two months and ask me why I am bothered ? Ridiculous."
Finally , a shadow appeared at the far end of the alley. If the voice had not convinced him his stalker was female..there was no mistaking it now. The curves outlined were not male..that was for sure. Slowly the figure sauntered forward, moving closer to his own and it was then he noticed a slow burn starting inside him. One that he recognised as ..rage, pure and vicious rage.
He kept his sights on her as she advanced, her every movement deliberate and precise.When she finally came to a halt she was right in front of him, staring him down..he hated her.
" Is this more to your liking ?" she purred low. Annoying as hell.
" I would like it better if you ceased following me.Why do you find it neccessary to put in an appearance whenever I am on an assignment.?" he demanded of her, his hands clenching into fists at his side, though he did not really know why. The slight woman would not dare try anything physical , it would be foolish.
" See , now I can't do that hotshot. I find you very...interesting. Why else would I bother?" she was taunting him with her words, trying to get him to strike first but he would not do it. He never was one to strike first.
She smirked at him, her deep blue eyes shining. Oh , he was just as perfect as she had thought. She eyed his form appreciatively, memorizing everything from his perfectly chiseled features to the very fine cut of his muscles..absolutely wonderful , and so what she was looking for. He would give her a run for her money, without a doubt.
As she was checking him out, he was doing the same to her. He was not one to face an opponent and not know anything about them. She was not too tall, her thigh high spiked heeled booys added some height to her but from the way she came down the alley, she was more than adequately experienced in functioning in them. Her outfit was snug, form fitting for ease of movement - crucial in physical confrontation and something told him she was ezperienced in that area as well.
She held not scent...very odd as every creature on the planet held a distinct scent that identified them. He too smirked..she has powers. That explained much. Her hair was long, even though she had it pulled back tightly [ it still hung far down her back.] , and was the color of gleaming black ebony - with a slight hint of blue.Reminded him of a Ravens' feathers.
" What do you want woman ?"he bit out, unsure as to why his voice sounded so vicious. She only smiled.
" That is the question that has plagued you since feeling my presence the first time...isn't it hotshot. I was gathering information on you, learning what I can- which is quite alot really. "
She then began to fill him in on just what she knew of him and he found himself amazed, and a little impressed as well. That was nothing though compared to the fury he experienced at hearing her recite things about him no one else knew. Just how did she attain such information about him?
" You know hotshot, you should lay off the carbs at lunch...you might develop a pooch and ruin that fine weapon that is your body. Speaking of which...care to test your stamina and endurance ?" she was purring at him again. Cocky bitch.
" You would be nothing more than a waste of my time wench." he growled at her, initiating his own form of taunting.
The infuriting woman laughed at him. Him. The nerve of her. " Well, I have observed you in both training and actual battle..let's just see who wastes whose time. Shall we ? " she took a stance and he countered, bringing a wide michievous grin to her face.
" Nice." she replied before attacking.She was relentless, but the grin never left her face and Sesshoumaru was amazed. She managed to counter every move he made and he found himself becoming absolutely pissed. If it continued he would have to get serious with the woman and inflict real pain on her just to let her know who it was she was dealing with.
He delivered a brutal blow to her chest and knocked her back a step or two. Sesshoumaru ws certain he got his point across then and relaxed a little, his breathing altered only slightly. He really shoud not have let his guard down, it was very foolish.
Kagome, grinned and replied in a breathy tone, " Now that's what I'm talking about hotshot. " she spun around so fast he did not realize it until he felt his head snap to the left and the blood began trickling down his cheek. She had cut him with her heel and drew blood. Not cool.
With a great snarl he went at her, his blows brutal and meant to inflict injury upon the imputent female . He was through playing around with her. Unfortunately for him, she managed to block many of his attacks and landed some devastating blows of her own. Never had he ever encountered one so capable of taking his attacks and still come back for more.
By the time he was able to subdue her, he managed to capture her arms behind her back in a very painful hold...well , painful to anyone normal , he had suffered several painful injuries that were guaranteed to take a few days to heal. Damn her.
His breath was panting in her ear as he spoke , " Just who are you woman? No one can take this kind of abuse and still walk."
Kagome was a little breathless as well, " What's wrong hotshot, don't like it that you've met your match?"
He jerked her to make the pain just a bit stronger, he did not see her eyes flash then roll up into her head. " Why did you come after me?"
" I knew you could handle me, my attacks. No other opponent can, but you. When I feel...discontentment with how a contract ends, I need to seek out release and vent..interested?"
" Bounty ? How..demeaning."
" How is it demeaning hotshot? It is no different than what you do. "
He chuckled then, " Handing a mark over to the highest bidder without regard to what occurrs afterward is most dishonorable. I bring those accused to justice , ensuring that they receive a fair trial before punishment is delved out. There are no similarities."
She laughed then, ignoring the vicious pull he subjected her to. She was weary of the game for the night and decided it was time to leave. Kagome relaxed her whole body, becoming limp in his hold and dropping down so she could sink her nails into his inner thighs.
His hold loosened a little and she slipped her arms out of his. Once free she swept his leg and brought him down , instantly moving to her feet. " It's been fun hotshot, we'll be playing again soon..I promise. Work on your counter moves, they're a little slow and sloppy. Ciao!"
Then she was gone. No sign of her anywhere, nor her aura. Sesshoumaru stood swiftly, not wanting anyone to see him in such an embarrassing position, even though he was alone. His anger reached new levels , his body shook as emphasis. She got him to the ground ? How? How was it she could move that fast..she wasn't a demon. Not that he could tell anyway, so why was it she got the drop on him?
Sesshoumaru made his way to his vehicle, cringing when he caught sight of his reflection in the mirror. She marred his face. That bitch. Sure it would heal by morning but that was not the point. Never had he walked away from a fight with a mark on his face, and from a woman no less? He would have to make sure the others did not see him looking like that, he would never live it down.
As he started his car , her parting words for him echoed in his head and he viciously gripped the steering wheel, snarling ferociously, " Slow and sloppy? "