InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Shingetsu Incorporated ❯ Fight! ( Chapter 5 )

Chapter 5

“So Inukigo, how are we going to do this?”

The aforementioned hanyou looked up from where she was stretching to address her boyfriend’s question.

“What do you mean?”

“How are we going to pick the match ups?”

“Well,” Inukigo started, leaning back on her hands, “I’m definitely fighting you, since I’m the only one who has a chance. We can’t really test Kagome’s abilities if she fights Miroku, so she’ll be paired with Inuyasha. That leaves Sango and the lecher,” she turned to look at the other occupants of the dojo, “Is that alright with everyone?”

Miroku of course needed to have his say.

“I take offence to this match up. I would be more than capable of testing Kagome’s fighting skills.”

Inuyasha rolled his eyes.

“Oh, shut up Miroku. We all know you’re just saying that to get out of a fight with Sango because you know she’s going to kick your ass. Kagome’s been training since she was seven, so you definitely wouldn’t be a challenge for her. Face it Miroku, you’re an alright fighter, you just don’t have the experience.”

“That was harsh,” Miroku pouted.

“You’ll get over it,” Inukigo replied, waving him off, “So, who wants to go first?”

“We’ll go,” Sango volunteered, wrapping an arm around the very frightened Miroku, “Might as well get the fight with this baby over with first so he can stop trying to get out of it.”

Miroku sighed in defeat and resigned himself to his fate.

“Alas, it was a pleasure knowing you all,” he began with a hand over his heart, “And in these last moments I must confess this one thing that has weighed heavily on my mind -- it was I, Inukigo-chan, who stole your panties from the clothesline three years ago, not the young boy that used to live next door.”

“WHAT?!” Inukigo screamed, her face bypassing red and going straight to purple.

She made a dive for the laughing man, but Kouga grabbed her around the waist and held on tight when she struggled.

“You’re lucky Sango likes you, you lecherous bastard, or you would be losing one of your favourite body parts right about now!” she yelled at him from the prison of her boyfriend’s arms.

Inuyasha, Kagome, and Sango continued to laugh, while Miroku sobered and covered the threatened part of his anatomy defensively.

“Alright love, calm down. It was three years ago, no harm done.”

Inukigo sighed and relaxed in Kouga’s grip.

“I guess so,” she then glared at Miroku, “But don’t think this is over. I’ll get you back, so you better watch yourself, Houshi.”

Miroku gulped and Sango intervened to get everyone back on track.

“So, Inukigo, maybe we should make this fight worth something. Have a prize to motivate everyone.”

“A prize,” Inukigo mused, her anger momentarily forgotten, “What could we use as a prize…?” she wondered out loud, “How about…winners get first shower and first choice of movies later tonight?”

“That doesn’t seem like much of a prize…” Miroku said absently.

“I know what you’re idea of a prize would be, and trust me, it ain’t happening,” Sango replied with a frown.

“Can we get this started already? We’re wasting time,” Inuyasha grumbled.

“You’re right, otouto. Miroku and Sango, centre of the ring.”

As the two moved to take their positions, Inukigo relayed the rules.

“Okay, first to pin the other wins. Falling out the ring means you lose. Try to avoid knockouts,” this was directed more at Sango, “We still want everyone conscious for movies later.”

They both nodded in understanding and took fighting stances. Inukigo raised a hand.

“Ready…? Go!” she declared while dropped her hand.

Sango immediately went on the offensive, forcing Miroku to back up and concentrate on defending and dodging.

Inukigo plopped down on the floor beside Kagome as they watched the fight, which Sango was clearly dominating.

“This won’t last long,” she commented to the younger woman beside her without looking away from the fight, “Miroku is unsure of himself because of his inexperience, and it makes him a very cautious fighter. Sango knows it and makes sure to keep the pressure on him so he’s too busy defending himself to look for openings. Eventually he slips up and it’s all over.”

Kagome nodded, still watching the fight intently, and noticed that it was going just as Inukigo had said it would.

Sango was attacking Miroku full out, completely neglecting her own defence. The strategy never would have worked against a more experienced fighter; Kagome could see openings from where she was sitting. But Miroku couldn’t see them because he was too busy trying to keep Sango from hitting him.

Then, after about five minutes of attacking with relatively high strikes, Sango decided to switch to her feet and dropped down to deliver a sweeper kick. It caught Miroku off guard and he went down face first as soon as it connected. When he hit the floor Sango was on him immediately, digging one knee into his back while grabbing his arms and pinning them behind him. Miroku struggled, but Sango’s hold was secure and after counting to three, Inukigo declared Sango the winner.

Sango released Miroku and stood up, offering her boyfriend a hand up as well. When he was standing, Miroku rolled his shoulders while he grimaced.

“You’re always so rough Sango,” though his complaint was ruined when he grinned, “You always know just what I like.”

Sango blushed furiously at his insinuation and smacked him over the head.

“Pervert.”

“Alright, alright, that’s enough. One win for the girls,” Inukigo declared as Sango joined her team mates.

“Yeah, okay,” Inuyasha shot back grumpily, “Who’s going next?”

“Well,” Inukigo replied, “Maybe Kouga and I should go next,” she then smiled at Kagome, “Leave the surprise for last.”

Kagome blushed lightly, Inuyasha shrugged.

“Yeah, sure.”

Inukigo smirked at her boyfriend and cracked her knuckles as she moved to the centre of the ring.

“Ready to lose sweetheart?”

Kouga chuckled and went to join her in the ring.

“Not likely babe. I’m going all out.”

“I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

“Alright,” Sango called, declaring herself referee, “Same rules apply. Fighters ready?”

Inukigo and Kouga were still smirking at each other as they took fighting stances and prepared to begin.

“Go!”

Inukigo rushed at Kouga, aiming a fist at his chest, but he quickly reacted by sidestepping and pushing her arm away. Kouga attempted to counter with a kick to Inukigo’s back, but she swiftly dropped to a crouch below his leg and shot out her own in a sweeper kick. Kouga dodged it, and the exchange between the two continued at blinding speed. Kagome sat there and stared in awe.

“Amazing aren’t they?”

Kagome managed to take her eyes away from the fight for a moment to address Sango.

“Yeah. They’re unbelievable.”

“It’s like this every time they fight. Both of them are real professionals, and they’re so evenly matched that it’s always a mystery as to who’s going to win. It makes for some great entertainment.”

Kagome nodded and gave the fight her full attention once again.

Inukigo grunted as one of Kouga’s kicks connected and she dropped to the floor, but she managed to roll back to her feet before he had the opportunity to pin her. Kouga didn’t seem to expect her to move so fast, so he was unable to avoid a punch aimed at his stomach. He doubled over as the wind was knocked out of him, and Inukigo followed up with a second punch to his back, which sent him to the floor on his stomach. Inukigo was about to move in for the pin, but as soon as she got close enough Kouga rolled over onto his back, bunched his legs up against his body, and kicked out at Inukigo’s stomach. The move hit its mark knocking Inukigo off her feet, and right out of the ring.

Miroku and Inuyasha cheered and Sango stood up to declare the winner.

“Kouga wins by a ring out. Damn, that was finished way too fast.”

Kouga shrugged as he sat up.

“Sorry Sango, but the opportunity was there and I took it. I didn’t think that I hit Inukigo hard enough to send her that far though. You alright love? I didn’t hurt you did I?”

Inukigo sighed and sat up as well.

“No, I’m fine. This means we’ve got one apiece. Interesting.”

The half demon got to her feet and dusted off her pants as she walked back to her team’s side of the ring. She smiled as she approached Kagome.

“Well, it’s your turn now. Don’t worry about winning, it’s not a big deal of you don’t. We just want to see how well you can fight, so don’t stress over it okay.”

Kagome released a breath and nodded sharply.

“Got it. I’ll do my best.”

Inukigo patted the younger girl on the back.

“Let’s see what ya got.”

Kagome smiled and ran towards the centre of the ring where Inuyasha was already waiting for her.

“Ready, Kagome?”

“As ready as I can be.”

“Alright!” Inukigo called from the sidelines, “Fighters ready?”

Inuyasha and Kagome took fighting stances as they waiting for the signal to begin.

‘I’ll start out slow at first to see what her level is, then take it from there.’

“Go!”

Inuyasha went on the defensive, giving Kagome the opportunity to make the first move so he could determine how serious he could be in this fight.

Instead of attacking head on, Kagome began circling around him, forcing Inuyasha to turn with her to follow her movements.

‘She’s good at analyzing the situation…I guess I should give her something to analyze then.’

Darting forward at a speed much slower than what he was fully capable of, Inuyasha attempted to land a kick to Kagome’s side, only to have it blocked quite easily. Kagome smirked at him as she held on firmly to his ankle.

“You can move faster than that.”

Inuyasha returned the smirk.

“Alright then.”

Faster than before, he delivered a few punches in quick succession, alternating between aiming for her shoulders and stomach. Kagome let go of his leg, then either blocked or dodged every punch. Inukigo and Sango began cheering while Miroku and Kouga began egging Inuyasha on because he couldn’t seem to hit her. Kagome still had a smirk on her face as she continued to deflect his attacks.

“C’mon…take this a little bit seriously.”

Inuyasha was too busy being impressed to notice the slightly wild look in her eyes, and the tiny prickling of power across his skin. Inukigo noticed it however, and her ears went rigid as the hair on the back of her neck stood up. She looked in the boys’ direction and saw that they had noticed it as well. Walking over to them she voiced her thoughts.

“You feel that right?”

Miroku and Kouga both nodded.

“She’s from a shrine family, right?” Miroku asked, then continued at Inukigo’s nod, “She’s definitely a miko. Untrained, and powerful judging by the way she’s leaking power like that.”

“Her attitude seems to be changing too,” Kouga commented, “She’s bolder and cockier than before.”

“I noticed that too,” Inukigo replied. Their attention was then drawn back to the ring once again.

Apparently, Kagome had goaded Inuyasha to the point where he stopped trying to hit her and tried for grappling instead. Only his plan didn’t quite work because Kagome had grabbed his hands and was pushing back. Inuyasha’s expression was just as surprised as everyone else’s as she began to match his strength.

‘What in the hell?’

“How is she doing that? I can feel her powers getting stronger, and it almost seems like the spiritual energy is enhancing her body. Is that even possible?”

“I’ve read about it before,” Miroku replied, “It’s very rare and there have only been a few mikos in history that were able to use their powers in the way Kagome is using hers now. But I remember that all the mikos documented with having this ability were highly trained. But Kagome’s powers are raw, it’s amazing that she is able to do this without willing it.”

“Inuyasha isn’t in any danger is he?” Inukigo asked, concern evident in her voice.

Miroku looked back to the match in front of them, watching as Inuyasha and Kagome exchanged blows.

“Not at the moment. It looks like that she’s only using her power to enhance herself. None of it is being directed at Inuyasha. We should probably keep a close eye on it though.”

Inukigo nodded and gave the match her full attention, keeping watch for any change that could be dangerous for her brother. Inuyasha looked confused as to how this seemingly normal human girl was easily matching his speed and strength.

He couldn’t understand what was going on. Kagome should not have been this strong. It just wasn’t possible for a human girl.

‘I don’t want to use too much power, but maybe I should end this now so we can figure out what’s happening.’

Decision made, Inuyasha rushed at Kagome at nearly his full speed. He managed to take her by surprise and for the few seconds that she hesitated he was able to get her down and pin her to the mat. She struggled fruitlessly, and Inukigo was about to start the count when she felt a rush of spiritual power prickle across her skin. Her eyes widened as she comprehended exactly what was about to happen.

“Inuyasha! Get away from her!”

Inuyasha looked up in confusion, but he realised the meaning of her warning when he felt little electric shocks wherever he touched Kagome’s body. Unfortunately, he caught on too late and was thrown backwards into one of the bare walls of the dojo when Kagome’s spiritual energy exploded at him. He hit the wall with a dull smack, and a few of the weapons that he just managed to miss rattled out of their holders and fell to the floor. He sat there on the floor winded and stunned by what had just happened. Everyone ran in his direction to see if he was alright.

“Inuyasha,” Inukigo said in concern. She patted his cheek to catch his attention when he didn’t look at her at first, “Are you hurt?”

“I-I don’t think so,” he replied, concentrating on his body so he could feel if anything was wrong. When he sat up a little straighter, Inukigo noticed the red tint to the skin on his arms and hands. Without warning she grabbed the hem of his wife beater and lifted it up so she could see his chest and abdomen. Inuyasha cried out in surprise but she ignored him as she put his shirt back in place.

“Looks like you’ve got some purification flash burns. Nothing serious though.”

Inukigo looked over her shoulder and saw that Kagome was sitting in the centre of the ring with her knees pulled up to her chest and her face hidden behind them. Leaving her brother’s side, Inukigo went to check on the younger girl.

“Kagome,” she said softly as she approached and reached a hand out to lay on her shoulder.

Kagome flinched and moved out of reach, her eyes fearful as she looked up and Inukigo.

“D-don’t touch me. I might…” she trailed off as she looked in Inuyasha’s direction.

“It’s alright, Kagome,” Inukigo soothed as she knelt beside the distraught girl, “All the energy is gone now. You won’t hurt me.”

To prove her point she reached out and put her hand on Kagome’s shoulder, and when nothing happened the teenager relaxed slightly.

“W-what was that? How did I do all those things?” she asked. Her voice was strained and Inukigo could see tears building in her eyes.

“This is the first time that this has happened then?” Inukigo questioned, her voice calm and soothing.

Kagome nodded.

“Inuyasha’s demonic aura must have drawn out your spiritual powers than,” Inukigo said, more to herself than to Kagome.

“Spiritual powers? What?” Kagome asked, thoroughly confused.

“What you just used to blast Inuyasha across the room, and what you were using earlier to make yourself stronger was spiritual power. That makes you a miko. A powerful one too, despite the fact that you haven’t had any training.”

“A…miko?”

“That’s right. You’re from a shrine family right? It shouldn’t be all that surprising.”

“Well, yeah. But there hasn’t been anyone in my family to have spiritual powers for generations. That just makes it a little bit harder to believe.”

“I understand. But you have to acknowledge this Kagome, and get training for it.”

“That’s right,” Miroku added as he approached, “Now that your powers have manifested themselves for the first time, they will be more likely to come to the surface without warning when you are in close proximity with demons. It could prove to be dangerous, as we’ve already seen,” he commented, looking over to where Inuyasha was just getting to his feet.

Kagome followed his gaze and her face fell.

“I’m so sorry, I never meant to do that,” she whispered as tears began to roll down her cheeks.

Inukigo frowned at Miroku, then placed a comforting arm over Kagome’s shoulders. The younger girl leaned back into the loose embrace.

“We know that you didn’t. It’s not your fault that you couldn’t control powers that you didn’t even know you had. What’s important now is that you take responsibility for them and learn how to use them properly.”

Kagome sniffed and nodded against Inukigo’s shoulder.

“I will. I don’t want anything like that to happen again.”

“That’s good. I know someone that’ll be able to help you. I’ll give her a call when we go back upstairs.”

“Okay,” Kagome then looked up and saw that Inuyasha, Sango, and Kouga were approaching them as well, “Gods, Inuyasha, I’m so sorry. You’re not hurt are you?”

“Nah, I’m okay. Some burns, but they’ll heal in a few hours. Don’t worry about it, it wasn’t your fault.”

Kagome nodded, but her expression showed that she still felt guilty about what she had happened.

“Well, I guess that means the girls win,” Inuyasha stated indifferently while shoving his hands into the pockets of his jogging pants.

“B-but, isn’t what I did cheating? You never said anything about being allowed to use powers,” Kagome said, looking at Inukigo, who just smiled at her in return.

“You’re right, I never said anything about being allowed to use powers, which means that it was perfectly fine to do so. That means that our team wins.”

“Alright! First shower!” Sango cheered. Then she smiled cheekily and took off towards the stairs.

“Damn,” Inukigo cursed, “Oh well, let’s all go upstairs and get something to drink. I think I’ll make that phone call too.”

Those remaining in the dojo agreed with her, and all five of them trudged their way up over the stairs to get on with the rest of the night.