InuYasha Fan Fiction / Fan Fiction ❯ Shards Of Hope ❯ Conflict Without Resolution… ( Chapter 10 )

Disclaimer: Since I obviously don't own the copyright to Teen Titans or Inuyasha, I'm taking advantage of the Fair Use Clause of the Copyright laws to write a story with them in it. Who knew the government would protect the little guys? Anyway, I hope you enjoy.

 

Author's Note: This chapter is a little longer, since it's so special. Enjoy it! The full author's note is at the bottom.

 

Chapter 10: Conflict Without Resolution…

 

Starfire flew above the city, gliding between the buildings and heading unerringly towards the temple shrine that was under attack. What she saw did not please her. There were dozens of men in blue either fleeing or trying to get away. A woman stood at the center of the shrine's courtyard, holding a fan. Beside her stood a young boy. Starfire felt righteous anger rise in her: she was using that child as a shield! With a yell she threw herself downward at the woman who was caught completely off guard. A rain of star bolts struck her and the ground around her. Kagura flew back a few feet, landing on her back with a slight groan.

Starfire landed next to the boy who was in shock, his head looking down at the ground, not speaking, “Come with me, you're safe now.” She smiled, loosely grabbing his hand and trying to lead him away. He resisted and Starfire looked back to find him staring at her with vacant eyes. She tugged a little harder, but he didn't move. “Come on, we have to leave before…”

Any further comment was cut off when she saw him raise the kusari-gama. She barely let go of him in time to avoid losing her hand, lunging backwards into the sky as he followed it up. She stared at him in complete shock, missing as Kagura got up, scowling. “I don't know what you are demon, but you're going to pay for that. Dance of Blades!” Starfire's eyes shot forward just in time to see the fan flap towards her. For a moment, nothing happened, and she was left watching air… but then the air shimmered and formed large crescent moons of air heading towards her. She held her hands out in front of her, preparing to block the blow.

It never came, as Inuyasha slammed her out of the way, sending them both tumbling from the sky. She looked up at him, slightly dazed, “Idiot! Do you have a death wish?” He said, scowling at her. She was too stunned to respond before he lunged away towards the madwoman with the fan.

Kagura shifted her view away from the gnat that Inuyasha had saved. Inuyasha would be fun to deal with, without Naraku hindering her, and with the addition of a jewel shard she would beat him with ease. “Dance of Blades!” She shouted, swinging her fan towards him.

Inuyasha drew the Tetsusaiga, letting the blades slam into it. The force was tremendous, not only stopping him, but also pushing him back a few feet. Inuyasha's mouth was left open, “How?”

“Simple, Inuyasha,” Kagura smiled, lifting her hand to reveal a jewel shard embedded in the palm of her hand, “I'm stronger than you now.”

Inuyasha scowled, “Since when does Naraku give you jewel shards?”

The conversation ended there, Starfire's shout cutting Kagura off before she could even begin. Star bolt after star bolt flew at Kagura, whose eyes widened in surprise. She flung her fan forward with a shout. Her blades of air cut through the star bolts, but one of them slammed into her chest, knocking her to the ground. Starfire hovered in air for a moment longer, cautiously moving towards Kagura. Inuyasha was in shock, watching the young petite demon float in air; maybe he had been wrong about her having a death wish after all.

Kagura took a moment to recover, her chest burning from the blast, but otherwise fine. The girl hovered over her, “Are you ready to let me take you to jail?”

Kagura scowled, “You're not about to take me anywhere. Dance of Dragon Snakes!” And suddenly Starfire found herself being sucked into a tornado. She let loose a small `eep' and was dragged inside.

Inuyasha was broken from his trance and lunged forward, “DIE!” He shouted, and with one deft move unsheathed the Tetsusaiga slashing at air, but nothing happened: he still couldn't activate the Wind Scar.

Kagura idly flipped her fan open, standing up, and brushing herself off before addressing Inuyasha, “Fool! Did you forget I control the air itself? And without that priestess to help you, you wont be able to stop me.”

Inuyasha was left growling in impotent rage, the Tetsusaiga still in hand, “What are you doing here Kagura? What does Naraku want here?”

Kagura scowled, “What reason do I have to tell you?” Her head tipped to the side and she paused, something was behind her.

Inuyasha's upper lip twitched, “Was it one of Naraku's incarnations that attacked Kagome?”

Kagura paused, narrowing her eyes, unsure of what to say. It hadn't been one of Naraku's incarnations, but Inuyasha didn't know that… and just as suddenly as that revelation struck her, so did Starfire, bursting forth from inside the tornado and ramming into her sending them both tumbling across the open courtyard. Finally coming to a rest with Kagura pinned to the ground, Starfire looking down at her with green glowing eyes. “You are going to jail for what you have done.” She announced, and Kagura was left to wonder exactly what this `jail' was.

Instead she turned her head to the side, shouting, “Kohaku! Kill her!”

The boy Starfire had tried to save was on the attack in an instant, the kama of the kusari-gama flying at her head. Starfire gasped, throwing herself to the side, avoiding any major injury, but having part of her hair sheered off.

Kagura frowned, watching him run at her pulling the chain and retrieving his weapon without missing a step. However, she found Inuyasha launching himself at her with the Tetsusaiga in hand, poised to cut her down with or without his much vaunted Wind Scar.

She rolled to the side, barely avoiding the sword's blade as it slammed into the ground, shattering the solid stone surface as if he had been chopping wood. Kagura quickly sat up, and thrust her fan forward, “Dance of Blades!” Inuyasha didn't have time to block, the blades cutting through his fire rat kimono and into him. He skidded away from her with a growl, clutching his side. `Damn, she wasn't kidding when she said she got stronger.' Kagura's face was twisted into an evil smile as she held her fan aloft. Inuyasha stood up, holding the Tetsusaiga at the ready, all he had to do was wait for her to attack and then she would see the Tetsusaiga true power…

The strike was about to come, but suddenly the wicked smile on Kagura's face disappeared and she whirled, finding a green bear nearly double her size behind her. She pulled back in time to dodge as the claw swiped at her, but her balance was shattered and she fell backwards. How did this mindless beast get so close without her noticing? It wasn't possible! She scuttled backwards trying to find a way to escape the giant beast as it slowly advanced. She swept her fan towards it, sending more wind blades at it, but then, as suddenly as it had appeared it disappeared. After the blades passed a boy formed apparently out of nowhere.

“What manner of demon are you?” Kagura murmured.

 

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Starfire was flying, watching the boy behind her in hot pursuit. She had already left the courtyard, dodging repeatedly as he relentlessly pursued her. And no matter which way she veered, or how fast she flew, she couldn't get away from him. It amazed her almost as much as the fact that it was a young boy that pursued her. He hurled the odd looking blade on a handle at her and she veered to the side, letting it fly past and slam into a tree outside of the front temple entrance. He pulled back on the chain, splintering the outer wood, but it held fast, buried within. Starfire wiped sweat from her brow in relief, “You can stop now, I don't want to hurt you, but I am afraid I must take you to jail now too…” She finished that with a frown. His vacant, and unnerving stare hit her and she faltered slightly. She had glimpsed his eyes before, when she had tried to save him… but… there was something wrong with them.

She swallowed the growing lump in her throat and started to move towards him when a gigantic fury beast flew by her, the woman and that evil, evil man from the car rode astride it. The beast landed at the steps of the temple and the woman jumped off, running towards the boy. The man chased in hot pursuit yelling to her, but Starfire couldn't make out what he was saying. Starfire's brief revelry was instantly broken at the thought of another injured innocent and she launched herself towards the pair, she would have to warn them before it was too late.

“Stop! Sango wait!” Miroku yelled, grabbing out at her shoulder, but missing. She hadn't even taken her Hiraikotsu, but had immediately rushed to Kohaku, who still held the chain of his weapon in hand.

Starfire was directly behind Miroku, trying desperately to reach the woman, “Stop! He is most dangerous! You must not!”

It was too late, Sango reached Kohaku and clutched onto her brother, who was still trying to free his weapon, ignoring her completely, “Kohaku! Kohaku I'm so glad you're alive…” she turned Kohaku's face to look at her, but his eyes didn't move, remaining on Starfire.

Miroku reached her seconds after she embraced Kohaku, “You know this could have been a trap…” He said sternly, but regretted it immediately as she looked up at him with tears beginning to form in her eyes, “…I …” he trailed off, letting his hand fall to his side.

“He's my little brother…” She cried out towards Miroku, gripping Kohaku to her.

Starfire was left speechless for a moment, “But… he… but he attacked me…”

The man turned and looked at her, “He is not in control of himself. Her brother is under the influence of a demon… he holds Kohaku's life in his hands…”

Starfire felt her heart crack into pieces at that, watching Sango's reunion met with a blank stare from her brother, a blank stare that focused on her. She swallowed a large uncomfortable bulge that had formed in her throat, but it didn't go away. `He is being…controlled…' Then Sango got in front of him, completely blocking out his stare, much to Starfire's relief.

“Kohaku, please...” Sango murmured, staring deeply into his blank stare. He struggled against her, trying to get Starfire back into his view, pulling at the chain furiously. Sango grabbed his arm and he stopped, his glare finally landing on her. “Kohaku, please, speak to me.”

For a long moment, Kohaku didn't respond, merely staring past her with dead eyes. Sango remained tense, crouched down in front of him, watching him intently for any response. As her hopes began to fade, Kohaku lowered his head slightly, “Why… do I remember your face?”

Sango frowned but hugged him close, “Kohaku, I'm your sister, remember?”

Kohaku winced, and put his hand to his head, “No, I don't want to remember… but I remember you… let go of me!” He shouted, struggling to pull away from her.

“Kohaku, please!” She pleaded with him, but he broke her grip and with one last powerful yank pulled the blade free. Miroku went to stop him but Kohaku merely dodged beneath his arm, running for the well room. “No! Kohaku!” Sango shouted out after him, but he was already gone.

 

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Beast Boy stared down at the woman, “It's over.”

She merely cocked her head to the side, not understanding. But the battle roar from behind was more than enough to draw her attention away from Beast Boy. Kagura was horrified to find Inuyasha rushing towards her to cut her down.

Beast Boy watched the man running at them, his sword raised to cut them both down, and for a moment he put his hands in front of himself, waving madly, “Dude! Stop! It's ok!” He didn't understand and began to yell as he prepared to strike. Beast Boy groaned inwardly, this wasn't going to make anyone happy… he changed into a Ankylosaurus and swung his tail into Inuyasha's chest just as he was about to cut Kagura in twain.

Inuyasha was launched backwards, in complete shock landing on the courtyard with an audible crack. With a growl he stood, clutching at his chest, at least one rib was broken. How dare he? He had nothing to do with this! “IDIOT! I wasn't aiming for you!”

Beast Boy waved his arms wildly at his sides, “Dude! What did you think you were doing! You could have killed her!”

Kagura stood up and took a few steps back away from the green demon, she couldn't understand what he was saying, but he had just saved her life. She frowned, he had also attacked her too. And much to her chagrin, more people were arriving, running up from behind Inuyasha.

“Beast Boy! Report!” Robin shouted, brushing past Inuyasha without saying a word.

Beast Boy pointed at Inuyasha, “Dude! That guy just tried to kill her!” His finger fell on Kagura and she frowned, readying her fan to attack.

Inuyasha growled angrily, sword still in hand, “What is he saying?”

Robin stood in front of him eyes narrowed, “You tried to kill her?”

All eyes were on Inuyasha, except Kagura's who swung her fan forward, “Dance of Wind Blades!” Beast Boy was caught completely off guard, one of the blade striking his chest and cutting into him deeply before he even had a chance to respond. He yelled out in pain and Cyborg and Robin suddenly turned their attention towards him… and Kagura.

“Idiot, get out of my way!” Inuyasha roared, pushing past Robin and knocking Cyborg aside as he ran towards Kagura.

“Beast Boy!” Robin started to run, Cyborg followed suit, but Inuyasha was already ahead of them, cutting the ground between him and Kagura in half in mere seconds. Kagura smiled, swinging her fan towards the trio. “Dance of Wind Blades!” The air sparkled where the sickles of air were created, quickly flying through the air to hack her opponents apart.

This time, however, Inuyasha was ready, swinging the Tetsusaiga into the attack, “BACKLASH WAVE!” He shouted and the wind scar forced her own attack back at her. Kagura stared at the massive wave of force heading directly at her, ripping up the solid stone of the courtyard. She took a step back, grabbing a feather from her ponytail and throwing it beneath her. There wasn't time. The blast struck her with tremendous force, throwing her skyward and destroying the feather beneath her. The other titans watched in horror as she disappeared inside the massive explosion that followed.

Inuyasha smirked and, with a “humph” of satisfaction, sheathed the Tetsusaiga, “Now all I have to do is get the jewel shard.”

Robin stumbled over his own words as he stared at the dust and rubble that was clouded the battlefield, “You… you killed her?”

 

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Beast Boy groaned, the dust coating him had found it's way into his throat and he coughed. He could barely see, but the dust was settling and things were becoming more and more visible. The first thing he saw was her. Coated with dust and stumbling to her feet a few feet away was Kagura, “YOU!”

He pointed at her as she lost her footing and fell back to her knees. Her clothes were torn and she was in a daze, looking at her own hands. “How…” Kagura winced a bit, still staring at her hands, “… did I survive?”

“Simple.” The voice was unmistakable, and Beast Boy turned to find him standing not even a foot away. “I let you.”

The boot hit Beast Boy in his stomach knocking the wind out of him and sending him sprawling to the ground.

Kagura saw him walking towards her, silhouetted in the dust. He was massive, or at least he seemed it. She grabbed at the ground, trying to find her fan, “Looking for this?” He said, and tossed the fan to the ground in front of her.

She stared up at him, but a mask, half copper and half black, obscured his face. One eye watched her, unblinking. She grabbed for her fan, but his foot slammed onto her wrist, shattering the bones within. She gritted her teeth, and hissed with pain.

“Why did you save me if you are just going to kill me?” She asked, through gritted teeth.

“I'm not going to kill you.” His voice was so passive, yet so chilling, an air of menace that not even Naraku could match hung about it.

“Then why…”

Slade cut her off, kneeling down putting more pressure on her wounded hand, eliciting another hiss of pain from her, “That doesn't mean I'm not going to hurt you.”

“Who are you?” Inuyasha asked with a growl as he stepped through the dust cloud. His eyes were on the man's back, and he looked at Kagura. Kagura widened her eyes slightly. She had never liked Inuyasha, but at this moment she was actually glad for his presence.

Slade stood, and pulled his foot off her hand, which Kagura pulled to herself and cradled against her body. He didn't turn around to face Inuyasha, continuing to stare at Kagura, “I am none of your concern.”

Inuyasha scowled, “Why did you save her?”

Slade finally turned around, and Inuyasha scowled at him, “My master ordered me to retrieve her.”

“You're the one who attacked Kagome, aren't you?” He asked, drawing his blade regardless of the answer. Inuyasha lunged, but found himself staring at a gout of flames that sprung from the man's hand. He cleaved into it, but it simply intensified, pushing him back while Slade casually walked towards him. “You mean the priestess?” He let out a low sound that might have been a laugh. “Then yes.”

Robin rushed Slade hoping to catch him by surprise while he attacked the demon, jumping over Inuyasha and swinging his Bo staff towards Slade's skull with a yell.

“Foolish boy…” Slade said calmly, a tendril of flame lifting Beast Boy from the ground and swinging him into Robin from the side before either could react.

Inuyasha sliced into the flames again, this time dodging to the side so he could continue his attack. Slade merely perked an eyebrow, ducking the large blade and slamming a flaming fist into Inuyasha's stomach. Inuyasha growled, slamming his clawed hand into Slade's back. Slade grunted and tossed Inuyasha into the air over his back. Inuyasha landed on his feet and began to rush Slade again, Robin following suit from the other side.

Slade kneeled over Kagura, she tried to pull away but he grabbed her, lifting her to her feet. “Let GO of me!” She shouted, tugging and pulling in an attempt to get away. Slade's eye narrowed and the sounds of bones cracking silenced her.

“If you think I'm going to stop because you have her as a hostage you're wrong!” Inuyasha shouted hefting the blade above his head as he readied to strike Slade.

He turned his head, looking at Robin who was getting ready to jump kick him, “I'd love to stay and chat, but I have more important things to attend to.” Flames sprung from the ground, surrounding and engulfing not only Slade, but Kagura as well. Kagura's eyes went wide with horror; it was the last thing Robin saw of her before she disappeared into the flames.

 

Q&A: Scathac's Warrior, yes, Kagura did kill people, in the last chapter she killed the fireman in the actual reading and a few others while I was focusing on other characters. (And thanks for the choice words. I appreciate them). Gladdecease: You'll just have to wait to find out.

 

Author's Notes: Well, this is a milestone for me, chapter 10, and I chose to celebrate it with a major combat scene that spanned 6 pages! WOOT! I hope you all enjoyed. I know you all must be wondering why I didn't mention Raven or Kagome, but look back to chapter 9 and you'll note that Robin told them to stay… and there's a reason I didn't check on them either *smile*. Anyway, I thank you all for your support and thanks to EmaniaHilel who was the special character editor for this chapter, making sure I didn't screw up the Inuyasha cast. So props go to her for that. I hope you enjoyed, check out her newest works, a new chapter for her series of vignettes: It Only Takes A Moment (In the rated M Section, but, I think that's mainly for safety). Raven's Destiny is down to its last chapter; the epilogue is being worked on as we speak. See you guys soon! And I hoped you enjoyed!