Part 21; Sango vs. Misao:

By Fernand J. Sea/HypnoCrown

Sango and Misao were now exchanging attacks. Misao hadn’t been in many battles since she fought against the Jun-Pon-Gatana and she was a little rusty. But she still managed to dodge every boomerang attack thrown by Sango. So far, Misao had barely missed hitting Sango with her kunai. Misao had nothing else to attack with except for her fists and her legs. She knew that in order to hit her opponent she had to get close but she found it somewhat difficult thanks to that huge boomerang of hers.

Misao: I hope you’re ready for this!
Sango: Bring it on!
Misao: You’ll be sorry!

As Misao approached Sango, she almost got clobbered by Sango’s boomerang and that’s when she thought there had to be some way to distract her long enough so she could get close and land a punch. Sango saw the teenage girl as an agile opponent that needed to be kept at a distance. As both combatants began to think of a strategy, Misao took the opportunity to throw her last three kunai at Sango. But Misao planned it so that she wouldn’t waste all of them in one throw. Instead, she waited until Sango made a rash move. Sango in the meantime decided to take a chance and so she threw her boomerang at Misao as she took a defensive stance. Sango figured that would have been a good opportunity to strike. Misao saw her move and she matched her jump with Sango’s throw. As the Hiraikotsu passed right under Misao’s feet, she threw two of her Kunai at Sango. She barely escaped the Kunai attack as she back fliped away.

Sango: Damn! She is good, I better watch out for those weapons of hers.
Misao: Are you ready for more?
Sango: You just try something like that again and you’ll be sorry.
Misao: Oh really? I don’t think so.

Misao kept her last kunai hidden as she realized the real battle was barely starting. She saw the boomerang returning and she planned on catching it but, as it came closer, she realized that most of the weapon had sharp edges and she knew what would happen if she actually tried to grab it. So instead, as the boomerang flew over her head, she quickly grabber her kunai and penetrated the boomerang with it to prevent it from returning to her owner. Sango watched as her Hiraikotsu was pinned to the ground with an amazing ease.

Misao: How did you like that huh? Now you don’t have a weapon to fight with anymore!
Sango: You think I care? Come over here and I’ll show you what real fighting is all about.
Misao: You’re on!

Both women ran towards each other and started to deliver well aimed kicks and punches. Although Sango had more fighting experience, Misao didn’t seem to be at a great disadvantage. All of a sudden, Misao leapt on top of Sango to deliver an attack from behind, but Sango prepared a surprise for Misao as she kicked away. Not only did Sango block the attack, she also managed to grab Misao’s leg and pin her to the ground; much like Misao did to her boomerang. Misao didn’t take a full impact from it however, as she reacted in time and just before landing she placed both hands on the ground to absorb most of the damage. This didn’t sit too well with Misao or Sango; Misao had both of her arms injured. She knew they were not broken but still, she wouldn’t be able to fight as well as before for very long. This fight was wearing her down and she felt her energy draining as Sango threw another kick at her. Misao had to get a lock on Sango’s weak point and to this end she seemed to pull back in order to figure out how she was gonna find it. Sango saw her opponent back off a little and she figured what it was she was trying to do. Sango knew she had to end this fight quickly and to this end, she leaned forward and tricked her opponent into thinking she was going to trip over. Misao took the opportunity and delivered an amazing punch towards Sango’s head. Sango’s strategy worked, so she pulled back, grabbed Misao’s arm and hit Misao’s face with her knee. As Misao was left barely conscious, Sango knocked her out with a final blow.

Sango: Finally! Now I can recover my Hiraikotsu. I can hardly believe she was able to keep it away from me…

Sango’s thoughts were interrupted as a voice was heard yelling…

End part 21.

Part 22; Yahiko vs. Shippou:

By Fernand J. Sea/HypnoCrown

And now tension was building for Shippou who didn’t imagine this would be such a big challenge for him. Yahiko was really well trained and probably had more experience in battle than him but still, Shippou wasn’t planning on giving up. Even though he was a little scared, he knew this battle could have been his last. He only needed Kagome’s words to motivate him into battle. If Kagome said that Naraku had merged with these opponents; then that was reason enough for him to fight as hard as he could. Yahiko on the other hand, had always liked to test his skills against pretty much any opponent he could find. This time however, he was fighting a demon; a cute kind of fox like demon but, a demon nevertheless. So he knew he had to fight this enemy with not only the moves he had learned, but he also had to come up with a very good strategy as well. Little did both of these young combatants know that, they were being watched by more than just Kagura who was up in the air; Sesshomaru was also keeping an eye out on this battle from a different location. Naraku on the other hand; was nowhere to be found. Sesshomaru suspected he had gone underground to avoid detection. So, back to the fight, Shippou had been trying to get Yahiko to fall into his tricks but to no avail. Yahiko however; had been trying to land a good blow on Shippou but Shippou was a lot quicker than he expected. Suddenly, Yahiko saw Shippou transform into a large fox right in front of him.

Yahiko: (Hmm, is this for real or some kind of illusion?)

Yahiko pulled back and Shippou transformed yet again, seeing his attacks just weren’t fast enough to get to his opponent, Shippou morphed into a giant ball and bounced towards Yahiko who; was stunned at the way his opponent handled the fight.

Yahiko: (What the hell is this guy doing? How does he expect to win as a giant ball?)
Shippou: Are you ready to surrender yet?
Yahiko: I would never surrender to the likes of you!
Shippou: Fine! Get ready for my special attack.

As Shippou bounced towards Yahiko, he figured something had to work to make a big ball stop in its tracks. So he attacked with a technique he learned from Kaoru a while ago. Yahiko leapt into the air and connected a big blow with his wooden sword at exactly the top of Shippou’s giant ball transformation. Shippou was surprised and hurt as he was sent bouncing right to the ground and into the air in an opposite direction. He landed right on top of Inuyasha, who was at the time, battling Kenshin in a very heated battle.

Inuyasha: What the hell are you doing Shippou? Do you want me to loose or what?
Shippou: Sorry Inuyasha. I hate to admit it, but that kid is really good. I can’t believe he dodged most of my special attacks plus, my head hurts real bad too.
Inuyasha: What do you want me to say? I’m sorry you got such a tough opponent? Go away will you? And watch what you do next time or else I’m gonna pound you hard.
Shippou: Gee, I said I was sorry. *Shippou turns to Yahiko* Hey Kid! Let’s see what you can do about this.

As Yahiko stepped forward to resume the battle; Shippou transformed yet again. That time however, he choosed a more familiar form.

Yahiko: What kind of trickery is this? Why did you turn yourself into me?
Shippou: Ha-ha! Now let’s see if you got what it takes to defeat yourself. Ha-ha!
Yahiko: No way you’re winning this one, no way!

And so Shippou took flight, leaping forward using an attack he saw Yahiko use a little while earlier.

Yahiko: (What! How can he do that? It took me days to master that attack and he’s mimicking it in seconds.)

Yahiko used the defensive move Kenshin taught him and he managed to counter Shippou’s maneuver. They exchanged a few hits and finally, Yahiko got the upper hand by blocking one of Shippou’s sword blows and then striking back with swift efficiency. Shippou went down for the count and, before Yahiko could do anything else; a voice interrupted his thoughts.

Kagome: Inuyasha! Sit boy!

End part 22.

Part 23; Kagome vs. Kaoru:

By Fernand J. Sea/HypnoCrown

Let’s continue with the battle that happened at Naraku’s fortress. But first let me tell you that every fight was also watched closely by someone nobody knew about. A shadowy figure that seemed ever vigilant; nobody noticed it standing right behind the threshold of Naraku’s mansion. And so, we take focus on the fight between Kagome & Kaoru. Both women were being manipulated by Shodo but no one knew this at the time. That made them determined to win the fight and kill their opponents. We all know that was definitely not like them at all; for some reason nobody else seems to take that into account as they were busy with their own problems.

Kagome: Get ready to die!
Kaoru: Just try it!

Kagome launched an arrow at Kaoru’s throat but she avoided it and got closer to Kagome. As Kaoru did that, Kagome knew she couldn’t let her get close or she would be at a disadvantage. So she aimed arrows at her foe’s feet to stop her but, they failed to hit Kaoru as she leapt into the air. Kagome got angry at herself, she had never seen anyone move that fast. Kaoru on the other hand knew she couldn’t win unless she managed to get her opponent unarmed. As she prepared to make another move to get closer to her opponent, Kagome managed to strike her in the shoulder. Kaoru felt pain but it was nothing compared to the anger she was now feeling. She had to get that bow away from that woman. To do that, she had to change her strategy. To that purpose she suddenly started a maneuver not seen by many. As Kagome prepared to shoot another arrow, Kaoru already had started to swing her wooden sword to create a small whirlwind. This created a cloud of dirt and dust around her that made her almost disappear. Kagome saw that and realized she wouldn’t be able to hit her if she stayed that way. Kagome thought back to the day when Kagura and Inuyasha fought for the first time. She remembered how her arrow, aimed at the center of the combat field, changed the way the winds were blowing so Inuyasha could find the gap needed for him to use the tetsusaiga’s special attack. She figured that, by charging an arrow of hers with enough spirit energy, she could change Kaoru’s strategy around and get the upper hand. By that time she could only see a cloud of dust moving rapidly towards her. Kagome had to act fast if she wanted to win.

Kagome: So, you think that’s going to stop me? Think again!
Kaoru: How will you hit me? You can’t even see me!

And so Kagome sat her arrow aflame with spirit energy. She aimed at a spot where she was sure her opponent would move the dust cloud and she fired. At that time, Kaoru saw her enemy aiming at the ground and figured she wanted to at least get a clean shot at her feet. Kaoru couldn’t let that happen so, before the dust cloud began to settle she leapt forward as the arrow passed right underneath her body. She landed right in front of Kagome and before she could reach for another arrow, Kaoru swang her wooden sword at Kagome’s bow. The bow went flying away as Kagome prepared for a tougher battle.

Kagome: My, my, my… you’re a much better fighter than I thought. But even that is not going to change the outcome of this battle. I can still win without a weapon.

Even though Kaoru was under mind control, it was not powerful enough to get Kaoru to fight dirty. Her honor seemed to get the best of her when she answered Kagome.

Kaoru: This fight would be meaningless if I won with a great advantage. I will put my sword away and we shall see who the better fighter is.
Kagome: Fine then, let’s get this over with.

Both women looked as if they were not getting tired at all. Perhaps the fact that they were under a control spell was somehow giving each of them more stamina. Kagome moved quickly thanks to her gymnastics lessons. But Kaoru wasn’t slow at all either, she kept up with her opponent with every step and both of them exchanged some nasty blows. Finally, Kaoru got the upper hand on Kagome and she fell down. Kaoru took the chance and she kicked her enemy right in the back of the head. As she stepped away to see if Kagome could react back, She saw that Kagome was taking quite some time to recover. Kaoru then remembered she had to kill her to return home. As she stepped forward to break Kagome’s neck, Kagome had now returned to her senses and somehow looked to her right side and saw Inuyasha. She noticed that Inuyasha no longer had his sword, the Tetsusaiga with him. Kagome also saw Inuyasha about to kill his opponent who, she knew was not evil at all. She had to do something quick but she also saw her opponent coming towards her with a malicious intent. Kagome was in bad shape; she knew she wouldn’t be able to defend herself anymore against Kaoru’s attacks. Seeing as she could not get to Inuyasha’s side in time to stop him, she had no other choice but to let a cry out…

Kagome: Inuyasha! Sit boy!

End part 23.

Part 24; Inuyasha vs. Kenshin:

By Fernand J. Sea/HypnoCrown

And so the battle raged on, but we still had not focused on the fight between Inuyasha and Kenshin. Afar from Naraku’s fortress, a mass of dust had risen up as if someone was crossing the plains as fast as the wind itself. Kouga from the wolf clan; had just heard about these mysterious events and had followed a lead here. He was still a few minutes away from the fortress but he wanted to make sure Kagome was fine. He still wanted revenge against Naraku for killing his friends. As for Inuyasha, he and Kenshin were about to cross swords. They stared at each other for a moment before saying anything. You could tell Kenshin was calm while Inuyasha seemed on edge. Inuyasha didn’t even want to talk to this foe, as he believed him to be a part of Naraku himself and nothing more. Kenshin on the other hand; was willing to make contact before engaging in battle. He had a funny feeling about this whole thing, it just didn’t seem right to him at all.

Kenshin: Tell me, did you really kidnap Kaoru?
Inuyasha: Huh? Shut up! You’re the only kidnapper around here. Let’s just get this over with.
Kenshin: *thinking* (Hmm, this must be one of those people who don’t understand with words. I guess I have no other choice but to fight him.) Very well then, but if I win you must answer my questions.

Inuyasha quickly drew his Tetsusaiga and rushed towards his opponent. Kenshin on the other hand; didn’t draw his reverse edge sword just yet. But he equally charged in the direction of his opponent. Inuyasha at that time; wondered why his foe didn’t pull out his weapon yet. So he figured he must have had a strategy of his own. Since he couldn’t prepare very well for what he didn’t know he didn’t change direction or speed. Both combatants reached the same point at the same time and clashed swords. Kenshin seemed surprised, but Inuyasha was even more surprised at the speed in which his opponent had managed to draw his sword just before it they collided. Inuyasha did manage to block the attack but not entirely. As he discovered his left arm was actually hurt, he glanced towards his opponent to see if he was able to find the gap between energies that allowed him to summon the cutting wind. That’s the Tetsusaiga’s special attack and there’s no way he can use it unless he finds that gap. Kenshin realized he must use a better attack if he wanted to win this fight. They couldn’t be left stuck in this world forever so he knew he had to win; or so he thought. Kenshin prepared to slash at his opponent with a slightly different version of the Hiten Mitsurugi style sword attack. Inuyasha and Kenshin separated, standing about two meters away from each other. When Inuyasha saw Kenshin assume a different sword stance he figured he needed to prepare for the worst. Kenshin had no idea of what his opponent was waiting for so he decided to go for it. As Kenshin charged forward, Inuyasha had already seen the gap between energies but somehow, it was too late. By the time he saw the gap; Kenshin had already vanished and attacked Inuyasha. He was left baffled, to say the least.

Inuyasha: What the… (My legs feels numb; what did he do? This guy is even faster than Kouga! How am I supposed to fight somebody this fast? Wait a second, maybe if I)

Kenshin had used the blunt side of his reverse edge sword to slow Inuyasha down. On his first attack, he managed to reach Inuyasha’s arm but, he was trying to prove a point. Inuyasha realized he needed use his Special attack sooner if he wanted to win this fight. To this end, he figured he could start things off with his regular attack; his steel claws attack, to make his opponent back away. By doing that he could have enough time to concentrate and use the cutting wind attack. As he delivered the steel claws attack Kenshin moved away but, someone else was coming towards Inuyasha. Inuyasha only felt a blow on the head at the exact moment he was able to see the gap again.

Inuyasha: What the hell are you doing Shippou? Do you want me to loose or what?
Shippou: Sorry Inuyasha. I hate to admit it, but that kid is really good. I can’t believe he dodged most of my special attacks plus, my head hurts real bad too.
Inuyasha: What do you want me to say? I’m sorry you got such a tough opponent? Go away will you? And watch what you do next time or else I’m gonna pound you hard.
Shippou: Gee, I said I was sorry. *Shippou turns to Yahiko* Hey Kid! Let’s see what you can do about this.

As Shippou went away, Inuyasha used the cutting wind and Kenshin barely escaped its wrath. After seeing that amazing attack, Kenshin realized he had to use the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu Ku Zu Ryu Sen (Nine Headed Dragon Flash) attack if he was to win this confrontation. Inuyasha saw how Kenshin avoided his attack and concentrated yet again to find a new gap. It was no use though; as Kenshin delivered a blow to Inuyasha so hard that the Tetsusaiga was blown out of his hands. Kenshin was sure he had won but, he suddenly saw his opponent change. The transformation made Inuyasha stronger and faster so when he made his move Kenshin wasn’t able to see him. Kenshin barely had time to react as Inuyasha’s speed increased exponentially. Kenshin was tossed aside with lots of cuts and bruises but before Inuyasha could move in for the kill; Kagome saw what was going on and that was when she cried out:

Kagome: Inuyasha! Sit boy!

End Part 24.

Part 25; Aftermath:

By Fernand J. Sea/HypnoCrown

Kaoru barely noticed how her friend was just saved by the very enemy she was trying to kill. It would seem her emotions towards Kenshin helped her break free of Shodo’s control and regain her former self. She quickly dropped her weapon on the ground instead of finishing Kagome off and ran to Kenshin’s side. Ah, the power of love…

Kaoru: Oh my goodness! Kenshin could have been… *she kept running until she finally arrived at Kenshin’s side* Kenshin! How are you Kenshin?
Kenshin: I’m ok Kaoru, really.
Kagome: Don’t worry; your friend will be just fine. *Kagome then turned to her friend who was lying down a few feet from there.* Inuyasha! Are you all right?
Inuyasha: Huh? What happened? Did I transform again?
Kagome: Yes. When I saw what you were going through, I… The thought of loosing you I, I guess that was what allowed me to break through whatever control Naraku had over me. Wait, I just realized something.
Inuyasha: What?
Kagome: These people are not our enemies. Naraku somehow planted evil thoughts in my head and that’s why I said all those nasty things before. I’m sorry everyone; I don’t know what else to say.

She said that as everyone who was able to walk gathered around her, Kagome turned around to face her former opponents. Sanosuke and Yahiko stared at Kagome while she looked around to contemplate the results of all the fighting.

Kagome: Oh my god! What have I done? What have we done? Are you all right Sango?
Sango: I’m fine Kagome, but we should check on Miroku and Shippou.
Kagome: This is all my fault, I should have snapped out of it sooner.
Kaoru: It is not entirely your fault umm, Kagome isn’t it?
Kagome: Yes, my name is Kagome. You are Kaoru right?
Kaoru: Precisely. But you have to know that this is also my fault. I was being controlled by something and I didn’t even know it until after I saw Kenshin in danger. Oh no, I almost forgot about Misao. We should check on our wounded.
Kagome: I agree. Inuyasha! Can you get up? *She said as she was turning around towards Inuyasha*
Inuyasha: I’m already up. Don’t worry I’m ok. You check on Shippou and I’ll see how Miroku is doing.
Kagome: Very well then, thank you.
Kaoru: Kenshin, could you go see if Sano and Yahiko need any help?
Kenshin: Right away Kaoru. Hey guys! Do you need any patching up over there?
Sanosuke: Don’t worry about me Kenshin, I’ll live.
Yahiko: I’m just fine but, it would seem like you’re the one who needs help.
Kenshin: I am a little beat up aren’t I? Ha-ha! Ouch! My back does hurt a bit, I hope it’s nothing.
Sanosuke: Let’s stay near Kaoru, this is a very strange place and we have to stick together.
Kenshin: You’re right Sano, let’s go.

As Kenshin’s friends gathered, Inuyasha went to where Miroku was and checked to see how he was doing. Kagome on the other hand; was seeing that Shippou was not doing bad at all and simply woke him up. Sango called out to Kirara and she told her to go with Kagome while she went to see if Miroku needed anything. As she approached, she saw that Miroku was in bad shape. Even though Miroku was conscious, he didn’t feel well enough to stand up yet.

Sango: Inuyasha, how is he doing?
Inuyasha: Well, I don’t know about healing or any of that stuff but; I can tell you that he is not doing all that well. He won’t be able to fight again today unless he’s magically healed or something.
Miroku: Hello Miss Sango, I knew you would win your fight.
Sango: Please your eminence, save your strength. We still have to defeat Naraku.
Miroku: I know, don’t worry about me I’ll be fine. I think I could get up though.
Inuyasha: You should probably stay put Miroku, we have no idea how bad your injuries are.
Sango: Inuyasha, you go and be with Kagome, I’ll stay here and watch him.
Miroku: Well, in that case, how can I refuse?

Both Sango and Miroku smiled at each other and as Inuyasha walked away, he heard a smacking sound and a shout.

Miroku: Ouch!
Sango: Ugh! Why did you have to do that Miroku?
Miroku: I’m sorry; I just thought that giving you a little caress could help me feel better.
Inuyasha: Oh boy! *He says as he smacks his face in disappointment.*

End part 25.