Author's Note: hey hey hey everyone! Ok, I really want to thank everyone for their tremendous support of the last chapter! I was kinda nervous about it, because I've never written a battle scene before, but I guess it went ok! So here we go with the thirteenth chapter of my story! *waves flag and does a little dance*

Reviewers to thank: I'm so grateful for you all! More than words can express! Thanks to : Momentum, Katzztar, AnimeobsessionFantasy, Elventeen, Averi Malee, Tao, AnimeAngel0123, Ladykaa28, My Love Inuyasha, gigi-chan, Yanou, mYjeSTikgiRL The FrozenCow, and anyone else who reviewed my story! I love you all, god bless you!!!

Dedication: As always, to Fatcat11388. You are the best!!

Disclaimer: I really don't Inuyasha. It would be neat if I did though! bah!!!

Three Days Time, The third day, hours before sunset. Ch. 13, Sunset Approaches

*Dream...
I challenge you to a fight in three days time...You are not even a shadow of me...Kagome, I want some answers!!! What are you hiding?? Wake up Kagome... Ye must free my sisters soul, child...He sulks around all day, waiting for you to come back!!...I won't lie, not to those eyes...Wake up Kagome! I will tell you everything in two days time, I swear... I will die in two days ...Tell me how is MY Inuyasha doing??...My Inuyasha...My Inuyasha...Wake up Kagome!!... Shippo, promise me that whatever happens, you will look out for Inuyasha?...Inuyasha...I do... I really do love him...She's coming, Wake up Kagome! I'm sorry, Inuyasha........ Wake up Kagome, WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!

*End dream..

With a gasp, reality came screaming back to Kagome, who found her surroundings a total shock. As she tried to get up, her head reeled, making her go limp again. Her blurry vision began to clear slowly but surely, revealing the insides of a large tree. She was cradled in the branches of a large tree, nestled within heaps of feather soft leaves. Bits and pieces of the lightening night sky winked at her from above the tree, and Kagome settled into confusion. How did I get here, she wondered. The memory of her power explosion came back to her quickly, and Kagome smiled, despite her situation. Kikyo was about to kill me, I did what I had to. She assured herself. As energy began to leak into her limbs, Kagome lifted her head again to survey the damage she had done to herself. The weak light that was available showed Kagome that she was bleeding from light scratches all over her skin, including her pierced arm once again. The once flowing robes that had spilled about her, were now lifting with the breeze, nothing more than scraps. They barely even cover the essentials, Kagome noted with a blush. Pain began to filter throughout her as she surveyed her body, and that was when she noticed them. Still clinging to her, Kagome found her delicately carved weapons. The gems within their wood glittered eagerly with any light, and seemed to encourage her to get up. Fixing her gaze on them, she raised her hands to give her faithful weapons a loving squeeze. The wood warmed quickly under her touch, and began to glow faintly. Smiling, Kagome turned her attention to more serious matters.

Sitting painfully up, Kagome began to wonder what had happened to Kikyo. I know she's still alive, she told herself. Suddenly, Kagome recalled her dream. Someone was calling me, Kagome thought to herself with a frown. They said, she's coming. Realizing with a start who that meant, Kagome snapped her attention to her surrounding again. Not a sound could be heard but the music of the trees swaying in the breeze. No footsteps, no swish of evil soul skimmers, no horribly cold laugh echoing through her head. Nothing. You've got to feel her out, I can feel her coming. Scolded her subconscious. Shifting in her leafy seat, Kagome seriously doubted she had any energy left. Still, reaching into herself, Kagome looked for the warmth of her own Miko powers. Closing her eyes, she felt the darkness of her mind pull her in. Searching somewhat desperately, she felt not even a warm touch. Panicking, Kagome searched harder. Please god, don't let me defenseless. With a sudden rush, she found the warmth that she was looking for. Breathing a sigh of relief, Kagome spread it out gently into the surrounding area, looking for Kikyo. As her power clashed with something of massive power, Kagome pulled her energy back with horror. What she had felt was more powerful than anything she had ever felt. It was not one person, but two. Climbing out of the tree despite her pain, Kagome squeezed her weapons in fear. She knew that there was no mistake. Kikyo was coming, oh yes. But so was Naraku.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Kirara's POV

As a small kitten stood outside of the elderly village healer's hut, her fur was visibly on end. Kirara sniffed every wisp of the breeze that passed her, eagerly awaiting the news it carried. Her blood red eyes glowed with concern, and worry. The explosion that had taken place an hour or two ago had rattled what felt like the very foundations of the earth. The embers of still charged power had floated into the village, bearing Kagome's scent all over them. This told her that Kagome had attempted to blow Kikyo off the face of the planet. Turning her eyes skyward, Kirara glanced at the now faint stars above. The sky was fading from it's nightly darkness. The colors of sunrise were just beginning to mingle in with the milky midnight blue. Turning her head back to the hut behind her, Kirara sensed her friends. Judging by their breathing and heart rates, sunrise would mean the end of the drug's effect on them. Though Kirara was still puzzled at the lack of effect the drug had on her, she didn't ponder it too much. As another breath of wind passed her, Kirara eagerly sniffed at it's contents.

With a wave of relief, she smelled Kagome's blood, but also her movements, which meant that she was still alive. Shaking her head to clear her nose, the chain of Shikon Shards around her neck clinked together gently. Smelling the air again, she smelled the devastation of the forest. Then, a scent mixed with another. The first scent was that of the mysterious Kikyo, who was also still alive. Kirara felt her power explode within her as she recognized Naraku's scent. Kagome might not know, she thought furiously. Charging into the forest once again, she felt the wind rush past her as she bounded onward to Kagome's aid. As she felt her limbs lengthening and her fire swirling about her, Kirara prayed for sunrise.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Kikyo/Naraku's POV

"You half demon bastard, get out of my body!" Kikyo hissed in her own mind. As she felt herself detached from her own body, Kikyo wanted to scream for not realizing what Naraku's necklace was for earlier. "It's obvious that you cannot even handle your own pathetic reincarnation. It is pitiful, even for you, Kikyo. I have taken matters into my own hands." Naraku informed her coldly. As he spoke, his own deep voice issued forth from Kikyo's lips, sounding very strange indeed. "I will send you to hell!" She raged to him. Kikyo watched as a twisted smile appeared on her own bloody face, and Naraku's insolent laugh began to ring throughout the oddly silent forest. He didn't reply, but continued to walk lamely across the damp forest floor.

Kikyo hated to feel so powerless, having never known such a feeling in life or death. She watched herself move from outside her own body, confused as to her own whereabouts. Surveying her body, she noticed her billowing robes had been reduced to tatters, hanging pathetically on her pale skin. There were cuts all over her, bleeding lightly from the explosion. As she looked at the pitiful state of her body, her attention was drawn to the large bloody hole in the middle of her abdomen, which was currently bleeding horribly. With a flutter of panic, she realized what would happen if her body died. I will never obtain Inuyasha at that point, Kikyo thought painfully. He is mine, not hers. Inuyasha belongs to me, and I must insure that this situation will come out to my advantage. "Naraku, you fool." Kikyo said quietly. "If my body dies, you will have no way to fight Kagome. What are you doing?"

Listening to Kikyo's words, Naraku's eyes traveled around the dark forest. He could hear her every thought, and didn't like them at all. So, she truly does still huger for Inuyasha's life, he thought absently. He could indeed feel the pain that Kikyo's body was experiencing. Each step was agony, and every drop of blood shone against her pale skin. He didn't expect her to be so battle worn when he took over her body, and realized that he had no idea how to heal her. She cannot heal by absorbing the power of other demon, like I can, Naraku considered. I will just have to use caution. This pathetic Miko will be worn out, and no match for me. As he sensed her presence coming nearer, he could tell that she knew he was coming. Despite his situation, Naraku twisted Kikyo's face into a smile. It was all going to be too easy.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ General POV

Steadying herself on the soft grass beneath her, Kagome hardened her will for the coming evil. Bringing out another arrow, she notched it smoothly despite her shaking hands. In truth, she knew she was scared. She was about to take on Naraku and Kikyo both. How long will I really last? She wondered. Aiming the fine point of the arrow into the black forest around her, Kagome was glad she was in a slight clearing. There was more light, so she could better see her target. And there in the darkness, she waited. Hours seemed to pass until she could hear heavy footsteps coming through the brush. Tightening her hold on the bow and arrow, Kagome watched as the bruised and clearly bloody Kikyo made her way into the clearing. Like herself, Kikyo's robes were shredded and worthless. But she also held no weapon. Locked on her face was a truly evil grin, and Kagome knew then and there that Kikyo was not controlling her body.

"ah, my dear Kagome. You knew we were coming indeed. Then you also know, my battle worn Miko, that you are about to die" Naraku said in his cold, smooth voice. As the long grass between them rippled in the breeze, everything seemed to slow sown to Kagome. With a sure shot, she released her arrow holding a minute amount of power within it's tip. It illuminated the surroundings around them, flashing like gem in the pale light. He dodged it easily, and before Kagome knew what was happening, Naraku was right in front of her. Her face seared in pain as his fist connected with her soft skin. Her vision starred over as she flew backwards on impact, hr head reeling. Get up, fight back! Her mind screamed. Throwing herself up, Naraku made for another punch. But this time, Kagome was ready. Throwing her foot out and up, she caught his chin in a high kick. Kikyo's head snapped back, and she fell to the ground in an ungainly manner. Giving Kagome a few precious seconds of time, she planted her feet firmly on the ground, and discarded her bow and quiver. If that's the way Naraku wants to play, let him get a taste of a twenty first century ass kicking! Kagome's subconscious laughed. Wishing she felt as cocky, Kagome readied herself.

As Kikyo's rose form the ground, the air around her seemed to darken. Her eyes gleamed with Naraku's hatred, and blood was dripping from her mouth. She took a moment to steady herself, then her eyes snapped up to strike Kagome with a glare colder than the frozen wastes of earth. Naraku threw Kikyo's body at Kagome as quick as a viper, catching her in the left shoulder with Kikyo's balled up fist. Pain blossomed from Kagome's entire arm, and the already bloody arrow wound began to bleed anew with sickening vigor. Falling to the ground, Kagome kicked out her leg and felt it contact with the soft, coldness of Kikyo's skin. They both hit the ground, and remained inanimate for several seconds. Naraku threw himself up, cursing the world for the limitations Kikyo's injured body was causing him. Violently coughing, he felt the coppery taste of blood scorch Kikyo's throat. Kikyo couldn't handle much more of this. "Damn it," Naraku cursed under his breath. She was proving more of a challenge than he had expected. Kikyo's voice laughed out of nowhere, chiding him for being so quick to assume an easy victory. Watching Kagome rising from the ground, he quickly began to calculate his options.

Kagome watched Naraku with tense muscles, ready to dodge again of he attacked. He seemed to be at a loss with Kikyo's injured body. He surveyed her with glittering eyes, making Kagome shiver under his gaze. What could he possibly be thinking about that would stop our fight? Kagome wondered. Out of the corners of her eyes, she noticed the sky that was an infusion of color and light. Dawn is coming, she thought with no particular purpose. Naraku made up his mind slightly gleefully. He would kill this girl even of it meant killing Kikyo. That would rid him of Onigumo's lingering wishes for good. Standing up again, he noticed that Kagome was distracted. This is it! Naraku thought triumphantly. Launching himself forward, he brought his fist to the side of Kagome's head. Intending to break her blood vessels and kill her outright, he watched in slow motion as she realized she couldn't react in time. She closed her eyes as Naraku felt his fist come in contact with her skull. With shattering force Kagome blacked out.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Kagome's POV

As she experienced pain beyond reason, Kagome's world faded to black. She felt herself float down into the deepest, darkest corners of her mind. The point from which there was no return. Her last thoughts floated across the void of her mind, strangely sharp and loud. I'm sorry Inuyasha...It's over...it's all over.

Just as she was descending into death, something happened. With a wondrous rush of feeling, Kagome didn't quite know what was happening. Feeling and warmth sped back into her body, and her mind began to replay events of the past. Her meeting of Inuyasha, her night at the temple of the spider heads, Inuyasha pulling her from Miroku's wandering hands, Inuyasha saving her from Naraku's trap and Kikyo's vengence, and then, Kagome's kiss with Inuyahsa, only a day ago. As Kagome floated back to an alert level of consciousness, she became aware of her own Miko power flowing through her body. It was comforting, and with it's strength, she opened her eyes to a very different scene than when she had almost died. Her own powers raged as she watched Kikyo battling off a familiar fire cat. Kill him, her power begged. With ease, Kagome lifted herself of the soft, damp earth, and made for her weapons. Her mind was clear, and her soul was on fire. It's now or never, and Naraku will die for his crimes, Kagome thought as she notched a now fiercely glittering arrow.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Naraku's POV

Angrily taking another swipe at the large fire youkai that was hissing at spitting at him, Naraku felt his frustration growing. I finish off the miko, to deal with this? He though angrily. As the sun pierced the sky above, the last remaining traces of darkness disintegrated. Hardly noticing as a column of fire swept past him, Naraku dodged as best he could in Kikyo's dieing body. Landing painfully on the ground, a point of intense light caught his attention. Turning quickly to this new threat, Naraku witnessed the angry face of a half living Miko, squinting down the shaft of an arrow. Kagome smiled slowly, and Naraku felt the power of her arrow. As Kirara made another dive, he stood completely still. How the hell am I supposed to get out of this one? He raged, turning his black eyes from the intensity of the arrow.

And miles away, in a sleepy little village, the strange potent smell cleared from the air of a particular hut. As it's inhabitants stirred, a pair of amber gold eyes shot open. They began to tinge with red as smells reached his nose, and Inuyasha was now angrier than he could ever remember being in his entire life.

Author's Note: uh oh, now Inuyasha's awake! And Kagome ALMOST died, but not quite! Will she still? Maybe, maybe not. But ok, I heard that in an Inuyasha manga, or movie or something, Inuyasha and Kagome actually kiss?!?!?!?!?!?! Is this true? When does it happen, where, and how can I see it? Someone pleeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaseeee tell me!! I'm really excited to know, that would be awesome!! So please let me know, and leave me a review on your way out! Love yall lots, Bye!