InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Destiny ❯ The Final Battle ( Chapter 9 )

Destiny - Chapter 9 - The Final Battle

"Give it to me, its mine!" Kagura's eyes burned with fury as she glared at the demon lord before her. "You're no better than Naraku." She hissed.

"You dare to compare me with that vile creature? If it were not for the task you have yet to complete, you would lay dead at my feet for daring to utter such words." Sesshomaru replied in a rare display of ice cold anger.

"Ahh so the great Sesshomaru does feel after all, what's the matter did I hurt your pride?" Kagura laughed mockingly at him, pleased at having struck a nerve.

"Unlike Naraku I am no fool, did you really think I would hand this over before you had given me what I want?" Sesshomaru regarded her coldly, his emotions now firmly under control.

"The issue is no longer about trust, I would have to go through with this whether you handed it over now or not. Naraku cannot survive this, if he does, he would surely kill me for this betrayal, I have to do this for my life!" The anger in her voice became tinged with bitterness as she spoke of Naraku.

"Be that as it may, you will have your heart, when I have Naraku's....."

Sesshomaru turned and began to walk away giving Kagura no chance to respond. She stared after him, watching the moonlight catch his long silver hair through breaks in the tree line. He strode boldly, scared of nothing, he was strong and hauntingly beautiful. It was for his strength that Kagura had come to him, she sighed and called up her feather to carry her to her destination.
Kohaku had managed to locate Naraku's heart but could not come with her to liberate it, that would have raised too much suspicion. As it was, she was supposed to be spying on the hanyou and his group, but once Naraku realized what she was up to, he'd be too occupied to deal with her.
Kagura laughed bitterly as she thought of Naraku, what a fool. To play it safe all this time by having everyone do his dirty work and now he goes and tells them when and where to battle him! His arrogance will finally be his undoing, he believes himself so powerful now that he can face them like this without the need for elaborate plans. Instead he's given us time to plot against him. Kagura smiled cruelly, this is going to feel so good she thought smugly to herself.

Kagome woke to find amber eyes tenderly watching over her, she smiled softly but couldn't manage to keep the sadness she felt in her heart from showing.

'We'll defeat him Kagome." Inuyasha's voice was strong and determined.

"I know...." her voice was sad and subdued.

'And then it will be the end of us too won't it?"

She gazed over at him. He stared at her for a moment, wide-eyed and open mouthed, before bowing his head in a silent agreement, unable to look her in the eye. What could he say? After all he couldn't deny it for it was true, his promise to Kikyo meant he couldn't be with Kagome. He couldn't soothe her fears or stop her heart from breaking any more than he could stop his own heart from falling to pieces at the thought of losing her.

"Kagome...."

"It's okay Inuyasha, I understand. I've understood for a long time now that it has to be this way, though that doesn't make it any easier. C'mon lets get down from here, we have work to do okay?" She smiled brightly at him.
He nodded dumbly in surprise and carefully jumped from the tree with her in his arms, setting her down gently as they landed. She continued to smile at him, forcing him to return it as she grabbed his hand and began to walk. It wasn't long before they were at Kaede's hut and Kagome was happily greeting her friends while Inuyasha stared at her intensely.

I'm so at peace when I'm with Kagome, so many times I've called her weak but she's the strongest of us all. Her heart is breaking the same as mine, and she pushes it aside to fight Naraku, knowing that only brings us closer to parting.....

"Sango! Miroku!" Kagome called out happily to her friends and a blur of reddish brown flew towards her. She looked down to find the familiar weight of Shippo in her arms.

'Kagooooooome" The little kitsune screeched excitedly.

"Shippo-chan, I see you slept well." Kagome smiled down at the fox cub.

"Yeah but Miroku says that you and Inuyasha had an even better nights sleep!" Shippo stared innocently up at the young girl, Kagome held him with one arm, the other she had raised unconsciously to touch the mark upon her neck with her hand. She was blushing madly. However she managed to find her voice and angrily call out the monks name along with Sango and Inuyasha.

"MIROKU!!!!"

He nervously backed away, holding a hand to his chest as he protested his innocence.

"Shi... Shippo misunderstood. I was merely suggesting that you slept soundly since you both slept in such a safe place last night."

"Yea, whatever, I'm gonna pound you..." Miroku cut Inuyasha short.

"That would not be wise Inuyasha, we can ill afford for any of us to be injured right now."

Inuyasha paused, considering Miroku's words before crossing his arms and turning his back on Miroku, nose pointedly in the air.

"Feh, you're not worth the effort letch."

"Inuyasha you wound me!" Miroku cried out in mock pain.

"Watch it Miroku, it wouldn't take much effort to give you a few bruises!." Inuyasha turned to face the monk once more, his right hand now clenched in a fist. Miroku raised his hands in defeat.

"Save your energy for me puppy!"

Everyone turned to see Kouga's whirlwind dissipating, slowly revealing the wolf demon.

"You're pathetic dog turd, you weren't even aware of my approach. How're you gonna fight Naraku when you can't even smell me coming?" Kouga glared daggers at Inuyasha.

"Feh!, who says I didn't smell you, that would be impossible you stink so bad. I just didn't think you were worth announcing, its not like you're a threat or anything." Inuyasha smiled arrogantly over at Kouga and placed a protective arm around Kagome's waist. Kaede exited the hut with Rin, and began watching the group in earnest.

"Huh!" Kagome exclaimed in surprise at Inuyasha's forward display in front of everyone. "Wha... what are you doing?"

"Making sure that idiot over there doesn't get a paw on you. We don't have time for you to wash his stink off should he get close." Inuyasha growled over at Kouga who snarled back at him in return.

"I could find the time to beat you into the ground mutt face." Kouga flexed his hands, readying his claws.

"Stop it! We don't have time for this, we have Naraku to deal with unless you had both forgotten. Defeating him is way more important than your petty squabble." Kagome glared angrily at both Kouga and Inuyasha.

"You're no petty squabble Kagome!" Kouga spoke gruffly but softly.

"You're no petty squabble Kagome.." Inuyasha mimicked in a sarcastic tone.

"Oh you're gonna get a sit now Inuyasha!" Shippo smiled sweetly up at the hanyou but quickly found himself nose to nose with him.

"Guess again Shippo!" Inuyasha grinned evilly, baring his fangs.

Shippo gulped, trying to figure out just what Inuyasha had meant. His gaze dropped to Inuyasha's neck and his eyes widened in fear as he realized the prayer beads no longer hung there.

"The beads! They're... they're gone.." He managed to stammer, his words causing raised eyebrows amongst the group.

"Yep so I'd watch what I was sayin if I was you." Inuyasha stood up, satisfied he'd managed to shut the kitsune up for the moment.

"Kagome, are ye sure that was such a wise decision." Kaede questioned the young girl, unsure of whether or not releasing Inuyasha from the binding spell was such a good thing.

Kagome nodded, but then threw a glare Inuyasha's way.

"Hai, but I'm actually starting to wonder.."

"Oi! You said you trusted me!" Inuyasha looked over at Kagome a hurt expression on his face.

"I do Inuyasha, but you can be too stubborn for your own good sometimes." Kagome sighed, already tired of the bickering.

"Kouga are the wolf demon tribe waiting for us outside the village?" Sango spoke politely both genuinely interested in the answer and secretly hoping she could manage to change the subject.

"Hai, they wait for us to join them, we should get going soon. The sooner we get under way the sooner we get this all over with." Kouga stared over at the mark upon Kagome's neck as she spoke.

"Right Kouga-kun!" Kagome beamed brightly at him oblivious to the threat that had lain in his words.

Behind her Inuyasha let out a low growl, unhappy at her continued friendship with the wolf pack leader.
When this was all over with, if they survived, he would have to talk with Kagome about being so friendly around other males. It wouldn't do for his mate...... Inuyasha realized he wouldn't be having any kind of talk with Kagome. He'd given his word to Kikyo. Kagome would be returning to her time, sooner or later she would move on with her life, choose another. As I fell in love with Kagome after Kikyo, he thought. Kagome is my mate, there will never be another for me, but she is human, in time she... she will forget....

"Inuyasha? What's wrong?" Kagome rested a hand gently on his arm, concerned by the sad and thoughtful expression upon Inuyasha's face.

"Nuthin alright! Say your goodbyes and lets get out of here!" Inuyasha snapped back at her. The fire in his eyes quickly melted away to be replaced by regret at having caused the hurt that was evident upon Kagome's face.

"Inuyasha?" Kagome spoke his name in a whisper, hurt and confused as to his reaction. She removed her hand, taking a step away from him and turning her back to him.

"O...okay, I guess you're right, we should get going. The sooner we deal with Naraku the better."

Kagome bent down to take the little kitsune in her arms.

"Be good Shippo-chan and be careful, we'll return soon. I know you'll do a fine job of helping Kaede to protect the village should Naraku send youkai to attack." She hugged him tightly to her before releasing him and gently placing him on the ground. She rested her hands on her knees and looked up at Kaede.

"Kaede, please stay safe, I owe you so a lot. I know it has to have been hard to have me here, with me looking like Kikyo and all, but you accepted me straight away and made me feel so welcome here, thank you so much."

"Dear child, it is I who owe ye thanks. Ye have brought life back to this village and joy to this old heart. Kikyo's passing has been easier to bear these past years with you here. Please be careful, all of you." Kaede looked away from Kagome to gaze at the entire group.

"One thing worries me though Kagome, are ye sure it is wise to have removed the beads that bind Inuyasha?"

Kagome smiled. "Hai, I haven't had need to use it for a while and I think Inuyasha's more than proved he can be trusted."

'Keh!" Inuyasha snorted "I'd be careful if I were you, you old bat!"

"Why Inuyasha I had no idea ye cared so much." Kaede teased.

"Wha? That's not what I meant and you know it!" Inuyasha let out a rather unmenacing growl that everyone knew was just for show. Despite his protestations to the contrary they knew how much he cared.

'Sesshomaru-sama?" Rin called out alerting the others to her presence. Kagome looked towards the girl, embarrassed at having forgotten her.

"Don't worry Rin, Sesshomaru will return for you I'm sure of it." Kagome smiled warmly at the young girl.

"Sesshomaru-sama will come for me, hai, you're right!" And with that she skipped back into the hut. Despite how she had grown in the last few years, her heart still remained that of a child. Kagome chuckled softly, soon Rin will have to give up clinging to his leg as she does, she's getting to big for that!

"Kaede-sama, thank you for all your hospitality." Miroku bowed politely at Kaede.

"Hai, thank you for all you have done Kaede, please keep yourself safe." Sango nodded Kaede's way before turning her gaze upon Shippo.

"And you too Shippo be careful alright?"

"I will!! I won't let one demon in, you'll see!" Shippo bounced up and down excitedly.

"Sango, Miroku, please also keep yourselves safe and worry not about the village, we will be quite safe." Kaede looked over at them both smiling.

"If you're all done?" Kouga looked over, a thoroughly bored expression upon his face.

Shippo stared after his friends as they walked off into the distance, he looked worriedly up at Kaede.

"They'll be alright won't they Kaede?"

"I cannot say for sure Shippo. Naraku has proved to be a most devious and despicable villain. He will not be easy to slay despite their strength. It will be a tough battle that is for certain."

"Kaede look! Aren't those Kikyo's Shini-dama-chuu ? Should we go warn them?" Shippo looked up at Kaede in concern.


"Nay Shippo, it will be alright, this is Kikyo's fight too after all." Kaede looked sadly at the trailing forms of the Shini-dama-chuu. I hope you are able to finally rest soon sister, she thought to herself.

"Kikyo...."

"Wha ?" Kagome looked over at Inuyasha in surprise at hearing Inuyasha utter Kikyo's name.

"Oh!" She replied meekly upon seeing Kikyo's soul stealers, slowly followed by Kikyo herself.

"Inuyasha it is my wish to join you in this battle." Kikyo addressed only the hanyou, paying no attention to the others with him.

"Um.... Kikyo..." Inuyasha found himself at a loss for words. How could he accept without hurting Kagome, but how could he refuse Kikyo?

"It's okay Inuyasha, this is very much Kikyo's fight, she has to be there."

Kikyo had ignored Kagome, but the girls voice had drawn her attention, leading her to notice the mark upon her neck. Rage burned momentarily in Kikyo's eyes before she managed to put her emotions in check, her voice icy as she spoke.

"Hai, it is very much my fight, I who am amongst the dead because of Naraku. Does it not please you Inuyasha to see me recovered? Kikyo referred to the injuries Kagome had helped her to recover from. Soon Naraku and the Shikon no tama will be no more, we will be together Inuyasha, does this thought not make you happy? You intend to keep your promise do you not?" Kikyo looked not at Inuyasha but at Kagome, eager to see the effect of her words..

Kagome stared wide-eyed at Inuyasha, and then at the ground, her hands clenched at her sides. She braced herself for the words to come, she knew his answer, but knowing and hearing them spoken was another matter entirely.

"Kikyo, my life is yours..." Inuyasha bowed his head, unable to look Kagome in the face.

Kouga who up until now had remained quiet suddenly found a need to speak.

"What's this dog breath? Did you not claim my woman?"

"This is none of your business, you wimpy wolf!" Inuyasha yelled back, taking out his frustration at the situation out on the wolf pack leader.

"Please don't press the matter, Kouga-kun." Kagome sighed sadly before smiling weakly at the Wolf demon. "Kouga-kun, would you mind if I walked with you?"

Inuyasha looked up in shock, unable to protest as Kagome began to walk past him towards Kouga, who now smiled widely as she approached him. Beside Inuyasha Kikyo smiled too, how dare this girl try to come between Inuyasha and herself. No matter, she had won, he would be hers for eternity.... Sango and Miroku looked at each other in silent agreement to stay out of this battle of wills, but kept an ear open whilst Kirara in her transformed state growled beside them, sensing the change in atmosphere. Kikyo's satisfaction was short lived however as she realized Inuyasha was preoccupied with Kagome and Kouga. His ears twitching furiously in an attempt to hear their conversation. Whatever they're talking about can't be good, thought Inuyasha. Not only did he have Kagome smiling again, but she was blushing too.

"Kouga-kun, how can you still claim to love me. Even after all this time you still don't know me very well. And besides I will be returning to my time when this is all over." If we survive she thought.

"Kagome." Kouga took her hand. Beside Kikyo Inuyasha growled snapping out of it only when Kikyo spoke.

"Inuyasha, what is your intent? I wish to know, you say your life is mine, what of your heart? Has it forgotten me Inuyasha?" As it had been with Kagome so it was with Kikyo that Inuyasha could not meet her eyes.

"I see. Then, she is in my way." Kikyo glared coldly at her reincarnation.

"Kikyo, no! Kagome is not threat, when this is over she will return to her time and I will be at your side." Inuyasha turned a panicked look upon Kikyo.

"And will that change what she has stolen from me Inuyasha?" Kikyo turned to gaze at Inuyasha her eyes burning with fury.

"Kikyo she took nothing from you that Naraku hadn't already stolen away. I... I owed you my life.... not my heart!" Inuyasha blurted out the last part, as surprised as Kikyo by his confession.

"I see. Then perhaps I will be content to know that without her you will reside with me in misery." Kikyo spoke no more, leaving Inuyasha to ponder her words, before his attention was again drawn to Kouga and Kagome.

"Kagome he is unworthy of you. Stay and be my woman, you would be worshipped and adored." Kouga stared at Kagome with such hope in his eyes, that she felt bad for having to let him down. Hey, why should I feel bad, its not like I haven't made it clear I'm not interested! Its not my fault he's as thick headed as Houjo! Kagome sighed.

"Kouga-kun I don't want to be worshipped, and I'm sorry but please understand, I can never be your woman. I love Inuyasha and my feelings won't change despite the situation." Kagome stopped as tears began to form. "I'm so sorry Kouga-kun, you must think I'm so stupid."

"No Kagome, your strength never fails to amaze me, its why I love you and why I want you for my woman." Kagome's tears stopped and she couldn't help but blush at his words. Was that a growl she heard from Inuyasha?

"But if this thought truly causes you pain, Kagome." Kouga replied softly.

"Kouga-kun, what are you saying? That you will end your claim upon me and your feud with Inuyasha?" Kagome looked at Kouga in surprise.

"Hai, if that is truly your wish. I do not wish to see you upset Kagome. The dog turd is a fool, so if you ever change your mind." Kouga flashed Kagome a wide grin, and she couldn't help but smile back, even managing to laugh a little.

"I'm glad we talked like this Kouga-kun."

"I am too Kagome." Kouga took both her hands in his and pulled her into a hug. "I will always be here if you need me Kagome." Kagome's eyes widened in surprise at Kouga's sudden move. Was this really him acting so gentle? Who knew there was this side to him, but then again, it wasn't like she'd ever spent much time with him to know if he could be this way.

"Get your hands off of her!" Inuyasha roared landing right in front of Kouga and Kagome.

"What's your problem mutt-face?" Kouga replied non-plussed, turning from Kagome but still holding onto her hand.

"You have your paws on Kagome, that's my problem." Inuyasha flexed his claws and bared his fangs.

"Mou, Inuyasha stop this, I was upset and Kouga was cheering me up, that's all, honest." Kagome stared wearily at the angry hanyou.

"Why does that involve him pawing you?" Inuyasha growled.

"Inuyasha...." Kagome froze before she could utter another word as did everyone else in the group. They had all been so wrapped up in the drama involving Inuyasha and Kagome that no-one had noticed they had arrived at their destination.

"Naraku!" Inuyasha called out, recognizing at once the scent of the evil demon.

"Inuyasha, how nice of you and your pitiful group to finally make an appearance." Naraku stood in the middle of the field they had arrived at, Kanna to one side of him, Kohaku just in front of him.

"Kukuku, how pitiful you all are, killing you will give me great pleasure, particularly you Inuyasha and of course the lovely Kikyo." Naraku allowed his eyes to travel up and down Kikyo's form, producing the desired effect.

"Don't you dare touch her!" Inuyasha flexed his claws as he growled at Naraku.

"Oh don't worry Inuyasha, I will save Kikyo and Kagome for last I want to savor their deaths, perhaps I will just injure you severely so you may watch them die." Naraku smiled cruelly at Inuyasha, relishing the anger on the hanyou's face.

"Kohaku, kill the taiji-ya Sango." Naraku smiled enjoying the look on Sango's face as she contemplated having to fight and possibly kill her brother, Kohaku however, didn't move.

"You are such a coward Naraku to play these games with people's lives, to make them do your dirty work for you. I grow tired of your schemes, you will not survive this battle!" Kagome screamed at Naraku, upset at the pain he was causing Sango.

"I think you'll find its you who will be doing the dying Kagome. Kohaku kill Sango!" Naraku repeated his order only to find that Kohaku had not obeyed them yet again. Instead to his surprise Kohaku whipped round to face him, his weapon held high.

"NO!" Naraku drew back for a moment before stopping to laugh.

"So you remember then Kohaku, no matter, that will not stop your sister or you from dying."

"Not before you die Naraku!"

"I believe you will be the one to die first Kohaku." Naraku eyes gleamed as he looked at Kohaku for a moment, before turning his attention to Sango, his evil heart filled with pleasure at the pained expression upon her face as she contemplated the meaning of his words.

"I know my fate, but I die knowing who and what I am, and that you will follow me in death. Even if I die, you will not leave this place alive Naraku!" Kohaku slashed at Naraku who leaped back far from his reach, easily avoiding the attack.

"Kukuku, so brave, so stupid. I will take back what is mine now, its time wouldn't you say Sango?" Naraku smiled at Sango.

"KOHAKU!" Sango screamed her brothers name and began to run towards him.

"Sango no!!" Miroku called out after her, preparing to run to her, but was stopped by Inuyasha and Kagome. Their eyes telling him to leave Sango to have this moment with her brother.

"SANGO!" Kohaku called out her name as he collapsed to his knees, hands to the ground, head bowed in pain.

"Kohaku!" Sango fell to her knees placing her hands over his. He raised his head to look at her, gritting his teeth in pain.

"Sister... I... I.. I'm so sorry, arghhhhhhhhhh." Kohaku cried out and his eyes went wide with shock, blood flowed from his back as the shard embedded within tore itself free from its body to fly to the waiting hand of Naraku. Kohaku fell forward, Sango catching him in her arms, her tears falling fast and heavy.

"Kohaku, my brother, there is nothing to forgive."

'The Taiji-ya.. father, I...." He said faintly before Sango cut him off.

"No Kohaku, you are not to blame, that was Naraku's doing. Father would have been proud of how strong you've become Kohaku." Sango saw him smile weakly before the light left his eyes. She took a moment to hold him and weep before closing his eyes and laying a gentle kiss on his forehead. She put his body softly to the ground before raising her head to meet Naraku's mocking gaze.

Inuyasha's hand tensed alongside the hilt of Tetsusaiga, and Miroku gripped his staff tightly. Kagome and Kikyo strung their bows, all personal concerns laid aside as their common goal of destroying Naraku overcame their needs and desires.

Sango's hand scraped along the ground until her hand met her boomerang that she had dropped as she had knelt by Kohaku. In one swift move she grabbed it and stood.

"Naraku!!!" Her voice full of hatred Sango put all her effort into launching her attack. "HIRAIKOTSU"

The boomerang flew true, but did not find it's target as Naraku moved to the side, tentacles snaking their way towards Sango and the rest of the group, the majority heading towards Kouga.

"SANGO!" Miroku called out her name in panic only to heave a sigh of relief as Kirara moved her out of the way of Naraku's tentacle at the last minute. Sango motioned for Kirara to make a pass back to collect her boomerang from the ground and she did so dodging tentacles as she went.

Inuyasha unsheathed Tetsuisga, slashing tentacles only to find them coming back together again. Kouga dodged tentacles, leaping and kicking away any close enough to get to his heels. He dodged one to find another one headed straight for his head, nothing he could do to avoid it. Suddenly the tentacle began to glow and it disintegrated before his eyes. He looked over to Kagome notching an arrow, readying her bow ready for another strike.

"Die Naraku!!!!!" Kikyo launched an arrow directly at Naraku only to find it bounce off of a barrier.

"Is that all you got Naraku? Keh, you're pathetic, I'll break through your barrier and then I'll break YOU!" Inuyasha launched the Kongousouha attack upon Naraku, blowing the barrier away.

"What are you going to do now Naraku? You've run out of tricks!" Inuyasha spoke sarcastically, mocking Naraku, arrogantly assuming the battle was just about won.

"Kaze no Kizu!!" Inuyasha launched the cutting wind.

'KANNA!" Naraku commanded swinging her to the front of him, her mirror facing the oncoming attack of Inuyasha's.

"INUYASHA!" Kagome screamed, her arrows along with Kikyo's finding as many tentacles as she could. Again Naraku sent out tentacles this time mainly towards Kagome and Kikyo, with their purity arrows they were the most dangerous to him.

"Feh! Like I would be killed by the likes of you Naraku!" Inuyasha easily dodged the returning cutting wind having realized of course that Kanna would reflect it.

"KAGOME! Inuyasha slashed and hacked his way to her side as Miroku and Sango battered tentacles away. Kouga headed towards Kagome too, finally calling in his waiting wolf kin to the battle.

"Kagome are you alright?"

"Yeah I'm fine Inuyasha, how bout you?" Kagome turned concerned eyes upon Inuyasha.

"Fine, be careful okay?" Inuyasha's harsh, concentrated expression softened as he let his concern for Kagome's safety show.

"Hai, I will." Kagome nodded flashing Inuyasha a bright smile.

"INUYASHA!" the hanyou turned to face Miroku who had called out his name. "I need you to cut me a path through the tentacles!"

Inuyasha nodded in understanding jumping to Miroku's side slashing away tentacles from Miroku's path. Miroku went to grab the prayer beads sealing away his wind rip.

"KAZANNA!!!!!!"

"Miroku NO!" Sango called out, prompting Miroku to cover his hand over again. Realizing that something had to be up, sure enough there were Naraku's Saimyousho beginning to swarm.

"Kukuku you didn't think I wouldn't be prepared for your Kazanna now Monk did you? In fact you didn't think I wouldn't come prepared at all?" As Naraku spoke swarms of demons began to appear, outnumbering even the wolves who had been maintaining a fight against Naraku's tentacles, to help keep them off of Kouga's back.

A sea of flame rose up incinerating the poisonous wasps in its path. Putting an abrupt end to Naraku's laughter. A path was cut through the horde of demons by a blast of amazing power and everyone turned to see Sesshomaru wielding Toukijin and Jaken with the Staff of heads.

Hmm well I guess that little weasel is good for something after all thought Kagome.

"Ahh Sesshomaru-sama, you decided to join the battle, I will enjoy helping you to meet your end."

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow in response. "You dare to suggest you'll be able to beat me? I dare you to try!" With that Sesshomaru launched himself at the demons surrounding Naraku as did Inuyasha and Kouga. Kikyo sent an arrow towards Naraku who dodged it and dispatched a tentacle her way only for her to purify it with an arrow.

Sango stood surrounded by demons taking as many out as she could with her boomerang, Kirara fighting by her side. Miroku was taking out as many demons as he could with his wind rip, but had to give up as more and more demons seemed to come from nowhere. His hand was getting close to breaking point so he resorted to fighting with his staff instead of his Kazanna.

"Bakuryuha!" Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's combined attacks hit their intended target only for them to find that Naraku was a puppet!!!!

Inuyasha growled, how could they have not realized this before. "Naraku you coward stop playing games, come out here and fight me!"

"With pleasure Inuyasha!" Everyone stared in shock as they were faced with at least a dozen Naraku puppets.

"Which one's the real deal?" Kagome said to herself.

Naraku didn't give them the chance to figure it out as they launched themselves simultaneously at the group.

Miroku battered away at tentacles smacking them away from himself, finding a space in amidst the writhing appendages of the Naraku after him. He used his staff to launch himself at Naraku, stabbing into Naraku's heart with his staff. He breathed a sigh of relief, it was a puppet after all, he turned to look over at Sango who was waging her own battle against a Naraku, but was she facing a puppet or the real thing?

"Kirara!" Sango shouted for Kirara to clear out of the way as she launched her boomerang cleaving all the tentacles along one side of Naraku. He collapsed lopsided, the tentacles already starting to reattach as he fell. But Sango was one step ahead, she called Kirara, grabbing on as she passed. Kirara flew straight to Naraku and Sango had a clear shot to the heart, she jumped from Kirara and stabbed at him as she fell. She landed on the ground alongside the broken puppet, and looked up, meeting Miroku's gaze and nodding that she was okay.
"Miroku! Get Down! HIRAIKOTSU!" She screamed at him and he complied immediately, Sango took off running, she hadn't been able to get a clean shot at the Naraku now after Miroku. He was already coming at the monk again, Sango would have to help him.

Kikyo easily purified the tentacle coming after her and notched another arrow, preparing her bow for another shot, this time not aiming for the oncoming tentacle that had taken the place of the previous one. She let it continue on its course towards her, and instead of it aimed for Naraku's evil heart. Her arrow found its target, it was a puppet. Inuyasha growled having witnessed its demise.

"Dammit Naraku you coward show yourself!!!!!!!" He screamed at the remaining puppets, launching himself at the nearest Naraku, was it the real one?

"Kaze no Kizu!" Waves of energy shot out towards Naraku, obliterating tentacles in its path, but not enough to destroy Naraku who sent more out after him. Inuyasha leapt to the air, slashing tentacles as he flew towards the demon's body. He launched himself off of one tentacle, using it as a springboard to plunge Tetsuisga into the heart.

"NARAKU!!!!!!!!!" He yelled out, clenching his fist in anger as the puppet fell to the ground.

"Kouga-kun!!!!!!!" Kagome screamed out. Kouga had already gotten rid of one Naraku, only to find himself confronted by another, with hordes of demons at his back. Of course his target would be Kouga, he needs his jewel shards! Kagome's mind screamed out at her, how could they have been so stupid, they should have been protecting Kouga.

The wolf tribe kept the demons at his back at bay, not letting them get by to their leader. But he was on his own with Naraku. Focusing on him, Kouga slashed at a tentacle aiming at his head, and pushed off of another to back flip away from more incoming ones. He leapt to the air, kicking away tentacles at his heels, landing again already turned to slash at any at his back, to find himself face to face with Kanna. He froze unable to move, crying out in pain as Naraku's tentacles tore into him for the jewel shards embedded within.

"Kouga-kun!!!!!!" Kagome let an arrow fly only to have a demon fly in front of it, taking the blow for Naraku. Kouga fell to the ground and Naraku began to laugh.

"Kukuku, all too easy." He laughed heartily, enjoying the shocked look on everyone's faces.

And then there was a crash of light, blinding everyone. It was followd by a rush of air like Miroku's wind rip only much stronger.

"Inuyasha, Kouga-kun!" Kagome pointed over to the unmoving wolf leader, if he stayed where he was he would get sucked into the vortex where Naraku had stood. Inuyasha growled, but nodded and headed off to grab the fallen wolf demon, he didn't have much time, he had to get in and out before he too got sucked in. Not that he wanted to save the mangy wolf, but he'd never hear the end of it from Kagome if he didn't.
Inuyasha landed with Kouga at Kikyo's feet, she looked down briefly at Inuyasha before returning her gaze to the vortex. Her bow was stuck into the ground and she held on tight. Likewise Inuyasha had Tetsuisga stuck in the ground, holding onto it with one hand, the other had a grab hold on Kouga.

Luckily the others were too far away to be in too much danger. Sesshomaru over the momentary distraction was currently dispatching the remaining puppets. Inuyasha hated to admit it, but his brother was a strong, and skilled demon. He'd more than earned his reputation, not that Inuyasha would ever tell him that. But for a brief moment Inuyasha allowed himself to feel some admiration for his brother. Inuyasha's long hair whipped around him in the wind created by the vortex. The wolf tribe had backed off from the horde of demons, as the vortex seemed to be sucking them in.

"Kikyo... what's going on?" Inuyasha managed to call out over the raging winds.

"Naraku is using the power of the completed jewel to draw in more demons and become even more powerful. I had not anticipated this, he will be much harder to destroy now." Kikyo narrowed her eyes and Inuyasha's hair slowly fell back down to pool around his shoulders as the wind finally died down.

"By Kami!" Miroku stared up at the form that stood in front of them.

"Kukuku, I would show you my true form one more time before you die, but I don't need it to kill you all!" Naraku's voice boomed, as he now stood almost as large as the father of Inuyasha and Sesshomaru had.

"We'll see about that Naraku! Kagome protect Kouga." Inuyasha launched himself at Naraku, hacking away at the tentacles he encountered. The others took it as their cue to attack, Sango weaved in and out of the writhing tentacles on Kirara, cutting away as many as she could with her boomerang.

"Inuyasha look out!" Sango called out a warning. For each tentacle that was cut a demon was released, so, Naraku had a new power.

Miroku turned his attention to the demons released by Sango, mopping them up with his Kazanna. Inuyasha growled as he stopped heading towards Naraku's body to take care of the demons at his back. This was taking too long, if the fight carried on like this, they would tire out long before Naraku could be injured severely enough to die from the wounds they inflicted.

"Wha?" Inuyasha whirled around in surprise to find demons disintegrating before his eyes. What was going on? The demon bodies fell to the ground to reveal Sesshomaru.

"Inuyasha, do not stand around." Sesshomaru didn't give Inuyasha time to give a reply as he gracefully glided past him. Landing on the ground, pushing off and launching himself back up towards tentacles. Inuyasha mopped up the demons he released and so they continued onwards, jumping from ground to air, dodging tentacles and vanquishing demons where they cut.

Kagome stood in front of the still form of Kouga firing arrows at the oncoming tentacles. Inuyasha looked back to see a tentacle come too close to Kikyo.

"Kikyo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Kikyo braced herself to be struck but the blow never came as she was saved by one of Kagome's arrows. Kagome distracted by hearing Inuyasha scream out for Kikyo didn't notice the tentacle that had swung past to reach round from behind and screamed out as it grabbed her. She dropped her bow and she was pulled in closer to Naraku.

"Inuyasha!" Kagome screamed out in terror.

"Kagome!" Inuyasha called out in fear. "Kagome!"

"Do not come any closer Inuyasha, or I will end her life now. Put down your weapons all of you, kukuku."

Inuyasha growled in response, gripping Tetsusaiga even tighter.

Kagome screamed as Naraku squeezed tighter with the tentacle he had wrapped around her body. She pushed at it with her arms, trying to loosen the hold it had on her, beating at it to let her go. Another tentacle slid up and pushed against her throat. Inuyasha looked down to see another poised over at Kagome's breast, ready to pierce it through to her heart.

"So Inuyasha will you allow your arrogance to win over and seal Kagome's fate, or will you lay down your pitiful life for hers?" Naraku smiled down at Inuyasha, ahh the look on the hanyou's face was wonderful.

"Inuyasha dropped Tetsuisga, letting it fall to the floor."

"Inuyasha-sama! What are you doing?" Inuyasha looked to his shoulder to see the flea Myouga bouncing up and down upon it.

"Myouga-jijii? What are you doing here? Isn't it a little dangerous around here for you?" Inuyasha replied sarcastically.

"Inuyasha-sama I am hurt, of course I would be at your side for such a battle. My Lord you must pick up the Tetsusaiga, you cannot give up, you must destroy Naraku.

"He'll kill Kagome, Myouga!" Inuyasha growled at the flea.

"He'll kill her anyway Milord." Myouga replied in a matter of fact tone of voice.

"Don't you realize I know that! But I have to do as he says right now to buy time. I need to think of something. Hey!" Inuyasha called after the flea who bounced off of his shoulder to disappear into the blades of grass. "Coward!" he called out after him. Inuyasha took a look around, Miroku had allowed his staff to fall to the floor, and Sango had laid down her boomerang. Sesshomaru however had not lain down Toukijin and Kikyo still had her bow poised to shoot.

"Sesshomaru lay down your sword." Inuyasha yelled out at his brother, frustrated at the situation.

"Nay Inuyasha I will not. I will not strike at Naraku for the girls sake, but I will not relinquish my sword. If Naraku will kill her for this, then so be it." Sesshomaru spoke softly, the usual cold edge to his voice slightly tempered. He had no wish to anger his brother, the hanyou would not think clearly enough to fight well in a bad state of mind, and he would not have himself weak before Naraku for the sake of the human girl.

Inuyasha growled knowing full well there was nothing he could do to change his brothers mind, so he turned his attention to Kikyo instead.

"Kikyo please, put down your bow." Inuyasha looked to Kikyo with pleading eyes.

"You ask me to lay down my bow to save your lovers life? Inuyasha I will not!" Kikyo's eyes burned with rage at Inuyasha's request. What did the girls life matter to her except that she was an obstacle between her and Inuyasha. His words earlier had upset her, she was forgotten in his heart because of that girl. With her out of the way, only she would reside in his heart, he would be hers forever.

"Kikyo!" Inuyasha stared at her in surprise. "Hasn't Kagome saved your life? Don't you owe her a debt?" Inuyasha could not believe that Kikyo would see another person die at Naraku's hand. The Kikyo he knew would never have done this, she would have given her life to protect someone from a demon like Naraku. She really isn't Kikyo..... her spirit isn't the same as it once was, its all wrong, there is nothing but hatred in that body....

"She is not my concern. My only goal is Naraku's destruction, I will not be swayed from that action Inuyasha. Take comfort in the fact that once he does kill that girl, he will follow soon after. I will not allow Naraku to live!" Kikyo turned a determined gaze upon the object of her angry tirade.

Concentrate Kagome you can do it. Kagome kept telling herself over and over, but so far she wasn't doing it. Why? why wasn't it working, she'd done it once before hadn't she? She thought of her family, of her friends, of Inuyasha. Seeing him for the first time, so serene so beautiful. Cradling him in her lap when they had been attacked by the spider demons when he had been human. She remembered coming back through the well after having caught him with Kikyo, and asking to be by his side. Wishing she could be with him forever. She remembered the tears he had cried for her when he had thought her dead, and tears of her own flowed. Inuyasha she thought, and suddenly she was doing it. A bluish light glowed from her hands, it crackled like electricity and began to burn the tentacles at her neck and heart as she touched them. Naraku screamed out in pain, and the tentacle around her waist began to loosen.

"Inuyasha! NOW!" Kagome screamed out, grabbing an arrow from her quiver and plunging it into Naraku's heart. Its purifying properties burning away at Naraku's flesh.

"KAGOME!!!!!" Inuyasha screamed as Kagome fell, a tentacle swung out towards her catching her in the side.

Inuyasha leapt and caught her, placing her gently on the ground before leaping up at Naraku.

"Die Naraku you bastard!"

Naraku looked up at the screaming hanyou, his eyes widening in surprise as Inuyasha ripped into his chest and pulled out the Shikon no tama.

Despite this Naraku laughed. "Kukuku, even this will not destroy me Inuyasha, I will come after the jewel again."

"Guess again Naraku!" Inuyasha smiled with satisfaction as he landed softly on the ground, grabbing the unconscious Kagome and leaping away to get her to a safe distance.

Naraku looked at the hanyou confused, what did he mean by that? Why wasn't he starting to heal already?

"NARAKU!" The weakening demon looked up to see Kagura. Kagura!!!! What had that vile woman been doing? When she had not returned the previous night Naraku had finally decided to kill her. He could not allow her to live any longer, every day she lived there was a greater chance of her betraying him. Naraku stared wide-eyed at her bloodied hand, but it wasn't her blood dripping from it.

"Recognize this Naraku? You didn't think I'd ever find it did you?" Kagura smiled cruelly at Naraku, almost unable to contain her joy at the look upon his face.

"No, that can't be!" Naraku stared at her in horror, how? How could Kagura have gotten his heart?

"DIE!" Kagura squeezed causing Naraku to convulse in pain. Sango launched her boomerang at Naraku, cleaving him in two, Miroku began to suck in bits of Naraku with his wind rip. Kikyo launched a purity arrow and Inuyasha and Sesshomaru both launched simultaneous attacks with their swords. All connecting just as Kagura shattered his heart.

Naraku stared at them all in horror, screaming out at them before exploding, pieces of him flying everywhere. Kirara carried off Miroku and Sango, grabbing Kouga on the way, heading off in the direction of the wolf tribe who stood at the entrance to the forest. Kikyo was whisked away by her soul stealers, Sesshomaru launched himself out of the way and Inuyasha grabbed Kagome and holding her close got her out of the way as fast as he could......