Part 11; Battle:

By Fernand J. Sea/HypnoCrown

Katsume kept on going with her tale, her hood, still covering her face, made her look mysterious as ever.

Katsume: After I got here, I disposed of your minion but I still didn’t know where I was supposed to go. After walking aimlessly, I bumped into this woman who was leaving this village up ahead. She had a particular smell, but more importantly, she had traces of your stench on her clothes. I knew she could lead me to you so I asked her about you. She neglected to say anything but before I could grab her for questioning, some strange white snakes surrounded me while she got away. I managed to destroy the snakes but by the time I finished she was gone. Afterwards I went to that village to see if I could get anymore clues. Thank goodness I did because; after I got there I saw this monster. It also had your smell, so I was sure I was getting closer to you. Since he refused to say where you were, I simply trashed him. He didn’t even mention his name to me. After I killed him, this man with white hair appeared as if out of nowhere. It was then when I realized he was after you too. Since I had no beef with him, I decided not to say anything. But then I saw her, that woman who was protecting you for whatever reason. She had no more snakes with her so I took her out. Do you want to know how I found you? “Katsume took a step forward towards Naraku as she uncovered her face to reveal a sinister smile.”
Naraku: By all means go ahead.
Katsume: All right, I’ll tell you. While my sword was cutting through her body, I found a small piece of paper within her robe. So I grabbed it and I read it after I got away from that place. It turns out the piece of paper was a map to this place. I guess she must have been planning to pay you a visit some time soon. So, I’m finally here to send you and all of your servants to whichever hell you came from.
Naraku: You really are confident aren’t you?
Katsume: ( … )
Naraku: So, the silent treatment eh? Fine, I wasn’t planning to engage in any battles today but, I guess this is a good a time as any for a little work out.
Katsume: Enough talk Naraku. Let’s get this over with.
Naraku: Very well then…

“The battle began as Kagura watched from a corner. Naraku revealed a blade under his clothes just before Katsume got close to him. He blocked her attack with an amazing ease as she tried to get past his defenses. Sparks started to fly as both fighters attacked fearlessly. As Katsume seemed to put more effort in her attack, Naraku matched her energy for each blow. Neither one wanted to give the opponent a chance. Kagura wasn’t sure if she should lend a hand to Katsume, after all, if Katsume failed, would Naraku unleash his wrath upon her? The battle heated up as the two combatants crashed out the window into the fortresses outer wall. Kagura saw how Naraku didn’t change into a bigger monster. She figured he wanted to beat Katsume with as less effort as possible. As Katsume slashed at Naraku’s head, he counteracted exceedingly well. Katsume didn’t expect Naraku to be such a great fighter. Her sword was fast and furious but Naraku didn’t seem to care. Suddenly, Katsume saw an opening and she went for it. Naraku blocked but her blow was tremendous, Naraku’s blade was blown away. Katsume hesitated for a second, she thought it might be some kind of trick by Naraku. She asked herself if it could be so simple. Naraku saw this and knew he had to take advantage of the situation. His fingernails grew larger and as soon as Katsume saw this she decided to keep attacking. The battle seemed to drag on forever but neither Katsume nor Naraku wanted to stop. Even though Katsume’s sword had almost cut Naraku several times, he countered every blow. As she attempted a special move, Naraku leaned forward to cut Katsume right in the neck. It was the first injury of the battle, yet Katsume didn’t seem affected by it. She just wanted Naraku out and she was determined to do so. A blow to the stomach by Naraku, almost stopped her in her tracks, but she quickly reposted and gave Naraku a slash through his arm. As the arm fell down, it disintegrated and Naraku leaped back. He gave Katsume a resentful look as she smiled as if to say “Now I got you”. But it wasn’t over yet, as Katsume was still smiling, Naraku grew his arm back. Katsume was surprised but now she seemed more determined than before. With a bitter look on her face, Katsume leaped forward and slashed away at Naraku. This time Naraku was prepared and he threw a kick at the base of her legs. Kagura watched silently deciding if she should help, but she remembered Katsume’s words. “You’re wrong Naraku, I alone will defeat you. She won’t have to interfere.” As Katsume slashed more and more, she seemed closer and closer to victory. But as she was, about to connect a crippling blow, something seemed to appear out of nowhere…

End part 11.

Part 12; We’re not in Tokyo anymore:

By Fernand J. Sea/HypnoCrown

We take a look back at Kenshin & his friends as they quickly realized the man they were chasing suddenly disappeared. They stopped in their tracks to figure out what was going on.

Kenshin: Is it just me or did that man just disappear into thin air?
Sanosuke: It’s definitely not just you Kenshin; I can’t see the guy anymore.
Yahiko: What’s going on here? Where did he go?
Misao: *sighs*
Sanosuke: I don’t know about you guys but I’m gonna check something out. “As he said this, Sano quickly climbed up the nearest tree to survey his surroundings.”
Kenshin: What do you see Sano?
Sanosuke: This is very strange, we didn’t go very far from Tokyo, yet I can’t see it anywhere. It’s like we’re someplace else entirely.
Kenshin: Oh come now Sano, it’s not like we crossed an invisible door way or something; is it?
Sanosuke: No way! That’s impossible! Ha-ha!
Yahiko: As if… Ha-ha, ha-ha, ha-ha!
Misao: Stop being silly Kenshin. *giggles*
Kenshin: Well, we better do something. But what should we do if we hardly recognize the place we are in right now huh?
Sanosuke: You know, I remember we passed a river on our way here and guess what? There isn’t any river around here anywhere.
Yahiko: What!? How could that be? Are you sure you’re not confused by tiredness Sano? He-he
Sanosuke: One more word out of you kid and I’ll beat you senseless!
Yahiko: WHAT DID YOU SAY! I told you to stop calling me a kid! *Both Sanosuke & Yahiko had mean looks on their faces*
Kenshin: Listen guys, we are not gonna go anywhere unless we settle down and think. Ok?
Sanosuke: You’re right. “Sanosuke said as he came down the tree.”
Yahiko: I guess…

Misao in the meantime walked a few steps away from the guys to see ahead. Anyone could clearly see some plains ahead. The place they were was a small forest with a clear path that moved towards the plains. Misao noticed mountains past the plains and a hill near the forest and the plains. Near the hill, she saw black clouds covering it. Somehow she had a creepy feeling going down her spine. So much so that she even pointed this out to everyone.

Misao: Hey fellows, do you think we might not be in Japan anymore? I definitely can’t recognize the landscape here. What about you guys?
Kenshin: Let me see. *Kenshin approached Misao to be able to see better what she saw.* For one thing, you might just be right. I don’t recognize the landscape either.
Sanosuke: Wait up! Let me see.
Yahiko: Yeah! Me too; I wanna see.

As they approached Misao & Kenshin, Kenshin saw footprints that looked very suspicious.

Kenshin: Hey guys, I think we might be able to find Kaoru after all.
Sanosuke: Why do you say that?
Kenshin: I can barely see some footprints over there. I believe they belong to our mysterious man. We should see where they lead us.
Yahiko: All right! I’m all for it Kenshin, let’s head out.
Misao: Sure, why not?
Sanosuke: ( … )
Kenshin: What’s wrong Sano?
Sanosuke: Something here doesn’t seem right Kenshin. I mean, it looks to me we are meant to follow this but, what if this is some kind of a trap?
Kenshin: You’re right Sano but what are we supposed to do anyway? Just ignore it and let that guy take Kaoru? There’s no way I’m leaving this place without her.
Sanosuke: I’m just saying we should be careful; we have no idea where we are. If we indeed left Japan and landed someplace else, what’s to say what is real and what isn’t?
Kenshin: I’m way ahead of you Sano, I already looked everywhere and I can’t see anything suspicious yet. Let me do the worrying, after all, I won’t let us fall into a trap unprepared.
Sanosuke: Let’s go then!

And so Kenshin & his friends left the forest towards the mysterious hill. On their way there, they heard a girl singing nearby. Thinking she might have seen Kaoru and her captor, they rushed towards the direction of the voice.

End part 12.

Part 13; Kaoru turns up:

By Fernand J. Sea/HypnoCrown

Let’s check back on Inuyasha as he and his friends left to find the mystery woman who killed Kikyo.

Kagome: *thinking* (Oh Inuyasha, you still care about your dear Kikyo; even though she gave Naraku the whole Shikon Jewel and tried to kill me.)
Inuyasha: Kagome, I swear to you, if I don’t find that woman fast; I’m going to loose my mind.
Kagome: What do you mean Inuyasha? Shouldn’t you have said we?
Inuyasha: Yeah, sorry about that. It’s just that I’m so mad for not have been able to do something. Argh!
Kagome: Come on; let me patch up your knuckles. I know you heal fast but still; I don’t want to look at this mess you made of yourself.
Inuyasha: Ok fine. Miroku! Sango! Shippou! Looks like we’re staying a few minutes so; see if you find any survivors or something.
Miroku: I was just thinking that, but I doubt there’s anyone left alive here. Sango! Please help me look. Shippou, you and Kirara help us out as well ok?
Shippou: Sure Miroku! Come Kirara!
Kirara: Meow!

As Kagome took care of Inuyasha’s knuckles; Miroku, Sango, Shippou & Kirara searched the village for any sign of life. Unfortunately, all they found was corpses all around. After a while, Inuyasha was all patched up and wanted to go after the green cloaked woman. Miroku, seeing how angry Inuyasha was, told him to help out burying the villagers. As they were, Inuyasha suddenly caught the smell of a human. Soon after, they heard rumbling inside a barn at the edge of the village. They rushed in the direction of the movement to see a woman coming out of the debris.

Inuyasha: Hey lady! Are you all right?
Girl: What happened?
Miroku: A monster attacked your village; didn’t you hear anything?
Girl: No I didn’t. I don’t even remember anything, oddly enough, I only remember my name. Who are you guys anyway?
Kagome: My name is Kagome; this man next to me is Inuyasha.
Inuyasha: Hi
Kagome: Our monk friend’s name is Miroku.
Miroku: Pleased to meet you.
Kagome: That girl over there is Sango.
Sango: Hi there! *Sango waved at her as she approached the group*
Kagome: That little fox over there is Shippou.
Shippou: Hey!
Kagome: And that little one over Sango’s shoulder is Kirara.
Kirara: Meow!
Girl: Hello everyone, my name is Kaoru. I can’t believe this is happening. I lost everything in an instant. What am I supposed to do now? *sobbing*

As Kaoru begins to cry, Kagome, Sango and Kirara stepped forward and offered compassion. Miroku wasn’t sure of what to say while Shippou stood next to him with a sad look on his face. Inuyasha however, stepped away to ponder at today’s events.

Inuyasha: (What happened here? Why does Naraku keep sending these creatures? And how come this girl is still alive? What puzzles me the most is that, this time there weren’t any of Naraku’s insects to dissuade Miroku from using the hole in his hand.)

As Inuyasha keeps thinking, three of Naraku’s insects suddenly appeared and seem to head out of town. About less than a mile from there, we can see a hill with dark clouds over it. The insects seemed to be headed that way.

Inuyasha: Hey everyone! We have to follow those insects so we might discover where Naraku is hiding.
Kagome: But Inuyasha, what about Kaoru? We can’t just leave her here and we can’t take her with us because it could be dangerous for her.
Inuyasha: And what do you suppose we do Kagome, huh?
Kaoru: Excuse me; don’t I get a say in this?
Inuyasha: So, what are you saying?
Kagome: Do you want to come with us then?
Kaoru: Sure, I mean, I have nothing else to do here. I’m pretty sure I can defend myself. And besides, my memory might get better quickly if I get out of here.
Inuyasha: So, it’s settled then. Let’s follow those things before they disappear.

And so, they moved on again. Not knowing that they were in for the shock of their lives.

End part 13.

Part 14; Naraku and Katsume's battle ends:

By Fernand J. Sea/HypnoCrown

And so we are taken back to the battle between Naraku and Katsume. They were last seen breaking out of the mansion and battling at the courtyard. The battle was so intense; they didn’t seem to notice they were moving around near the mansion’s entrance. After Naraku momentarily lost a limb, he retreated towards the mansion’s gate. Katsume followed and went for a clear opening determined to deal a crippling blow. Kagura kept watching as suddenly something seemed to materialize from the ground up. Katsume was blown away by what seemed to be a mirror wall. Kagura couldn’t believe her eyes; she turned towards the fortress main gate to see a couple of figures there.

Kagura: *Thinking* (What? When did Shodo and Kanna get here? Who opened the gates anyway?)

As Kagura was kept wondering, she saw Yuzao standing at the top of the wall.

Kagura: (So, that little snake opened the doors for them. What a fool, now Naraku is going to win and I’ll never be free from him.)

Kagura also figured out what had happened to Katsume, as Katsume dealt a blow with her sword, Yuzao and Kanna combined their powers to create a mirror wall.

Kagura: (Oh, I see. Yuzao created a wall as Kanna gave it her mirror like effects. That means Katsume did not only got her attack deflected back at her, her strength got diminished as well. Oh that Naraku is such a clever bastard. He knew those two girls’ powers could be combined to create a great attack & defense technique.)

Naraku came out the mansion and went in the direction of Katsume, who was feeling very weak by then. Kagura, seeing as her new ally was down, decided to flee the scene before Naraku realized she was making a run for it.

Naraku: Ah Kagura, you’ll never learn. Naraku looked at the fallen Katsume as she vaguely tried to stand up. So, have you learned that you can never defeat me? Now you shall serve me and only me.

As Shodo, Kanna and Yuzao watch, Naraku advances towards Katsume. She could barely stay conscious; anyone could see the frustration in her eyes. She could barely contain her anger as she watched Naraku approach her.

Katsume: Don’t think this is over Naraku, I will find a way to destroy you.
Those were Katsume’s final words as she collapsed. We left the scene to arrive at the place where two unlikely groups are about to meet.

Kenshin: Hurry everyone; that voice is getting closer.
Sanosuke: I’m coming! I’m coming!
Yahiko: he-he.
Sanosuke: And what the hell are you laughing about you little runt?
Yahiko: Dammit Sanosuke! How many times I gotta tell you to stop treating me like a kid!?
Sanosuke: I’ll stop when you stop acting like a damn kid.
Kenshin: Will you two please stop it? We have to stay focused if we want to find Kaoru.
Sanosuke: ( … ) all right Kenshin.
Yahiko: Ok, fine!

As they close in on the voice, Kenshin slowed down to be prepared for anything. Finally, Kenshin and his friends saw a little girl collecting flowers while singing. She seemed to be about eight to ten years old. As Kenshin decideed to step forward and introduce the group to the little girl, he saw a small green being coming out from the bushes behind the little girl. The creature looked very strange but still, it didn’t seem as if the creature was going to harm her. Sanosuke, Misao and Yahiko catch up, and as they saw the scene, they were left with baffled faces. They still couldn’t believe their eyes, what was that ugly thing? And why was it talking to the girl? And most surprising of all, why was she not even scared of it? Before doing anything, Kenshin decided to ponder the events a little before discussing things with his crew.

Kenshin: *thinking* (Hmm, I wonder if we should talk to them, after all, that little monster doesn’t seem aggressive or dangerous. But then again, appearances are deceiving.) *then Sanosuke gave Kenshin a little surprise*
Sanosuke: Excuse me, little girl! Mister! Can any of you two help us out? We…
Kenshin: Sano! What are you doing?
Sanosuke: Relax Kenshin, I’m just asking them for directions.
Rin: Look Mr. Jakken! We have company. Hi there strangers!
Jakken: What are you doing Rin? Haven’t I told you not to talk to strangers?
Rin: Sorry Mr. Jakken, but they look friendly.
Jakken: Master Sesshomaru won’t like this one bit. Hey you! Get out of here if you don’t wish to die a painful death.

Kenshin and his friends all looked at each other with astonishment, but Sanosuke only got pissed off by the little monster’s command.

Sanosuke: What!? Who the hell do you think you are to order me around pal!?

End part 14.

Part 15; An unusual meeting:

By Fernand J. Sea/HypnoCrown

And so we’re back to the encounter between Kenshin and Sesshomaru. Jakken was about to answer when he sensed Sesshomaru’s presence nearby.

Sanosuke: Hey! Why don’t you answer me?

Suddenly, a mysterious figure came out from behind some bushes.

Sesshomaru: Do you know these people Jakken?
Jakken: Not at all master Sesshomaru, would you like me to dispose of them for you?
Kenshin: Please wait, both of you. We only want to ask you for directions. You see, a man with long white hair and dog ears kidnapped a friend of ours and we have no idea where we are. Can you please help us?
Sanosuke: Oh come on Kenshin, this guy isn’t going to help us so forget it. Let’s find that dog eared guy on our own. We don’t need his help.
Sesshomaru: Where did you see my brother?
Sanosuke: Huh? Now you’re talking to us? Gee, the nerve of this guy. I ought to pound you.
Kenshin: Come on Sano, we’re not here to fight; we have to find Kaoru no matter what.
Sanosuke: Sorry Kenshin, but this guy really gets on my nerves.
Kenshin: I apologize for my friend, but we really need help finding that man. We saw him not far from here, just before we crossed over to this place. We lost him soon after that; can you help us by any chance?
Sesshomaru: Silly humans, you don’t even realize who you are talking to. Jakken; why don’t you explain it to them?
Jakken: As you wish dear master. Listen well humans, master Sesshomaru has been tracing some leads for days now. We heard this Naraku fellow was creating portals in order to bring powerful beings here. If you came through one of those portals then you must not be from our world. By the looks of it though, you cannot be very powerful.
Sanosuke: Hey! Who the hell you think you’re talking to pal? I’ll show you power right here! *Shakes fist wildly*
Kenshin: Come on Sano, don’t.
Sesshomaru: Enough! *He said as he walked over to Sanosuke and Kenshin* Let’s have a battle right now. If you manage to last a minute against me in a fight, I’ll share whatever information I have on my brother with you. Do you agree?
Sanosuke: Now you’re speaking my language! Let’s go!
Kenshin: Wait Sano, if you won’t back down, let me fight too.
Sanosuke: I don’t know Kenshin; it wouldn’t be fair to this guy here.
Sesshomaru: You can both fight me at the same time if you wish, I don’t care either way.
Kenshin: Fine then, let’s begin.

Misao & Yahiko just kept watch as the three combatants got in ready position. Yahiko didn’t want to say anything to stop the fight; he wanted to see how much Kenshin’s abilities had improved since his battle against Shishio in Kyoto. Misao was in close watch as well, she also loved to see Kenshin fight.

Kenshin: Be careful Sano, I sense a troubled soul in him.
Sanosuke: Don’t worry Kenshin; this will be a piece of cake.

Sesshomaru grabs a hold of the sword he got recently. It was made of the fangs of a monster who managed to break Inuyasha’s sword in half*. Kenshin also went for his sword as Sanosuke got ready to charge with his special fist attacks. Sesshomaru Dealt an elegant but powerful attack against Kenshin, who quickly evaded it. Sanosuke threw a punch at Sesshomaru which he narrowly escaped. He realized these humans were not as weak as he thought them to be. It was then when he knew what Naraku was up to. Kenshin stood in a defensive position as Sanosuke decided to deliver a long range attack like the one Anji used in his match back in Kyoto*. Sesshomaru went in for the kill towards Sanosuke but Kenshin stopped his blow using Ryu Sou Ryu Sen technique. Just when Sesshomaru thought he had seen enough from the humans, they impressed him further each time. Who would have thought any human could be this fast? As the battle progressed, Sanosuke managed to connect a hit on Sesshomaru. Kenshin stopped for a while to see if Sesshomaru could continue after having some internal injuries. Little did they know about Sesshomaru’s regenerating abilities.

Sanosuke: Hey Kenshin! I got him! Nobody can keep going after a blow like that.
Kenshin: I don’t know Sano; I wouldn’t be too sure about this one.
Sanosuke: What are you talking about? We totally beat this guy!

As Sanosuke was saying that, Sesshomaru stood back up and stopped all together. They noticed a cold and sinister smile as he approached Kenshin.

Sanosuke: Be careful Kenshin…
Kenshin: Don’t worry Sano.
Sesshomaru: So… you lasted the whole minute against me. Congratulations! There aren’t many I can say that about. Tell me, where exactly did you see my brother last?

Kenshin, Sanosuke, Yahiko & Misao came closer to Sesshomaru. Jakken and Rin did the same as well. In the next part we’ll find out what is going on with Inuyasha & his friends.

End part 15.