Chapter 59

The Tides Have Turned

Yusuke looked around as he tried to figure out where Dusk would attack from next. So far the ninja had had the upper hand due to his ability to merge with the shadows.

Yusuke ducked and Dusk flew over him and back into the shadows. "Come out and fight me man to…er…what exactly are you?" Yusuke asked. "If you must know I am a human" Dusk said from an unknown source. "No way!" Yusuke said. "Oh yes, I've learned how to use demon powers without having to become a demon" Dusk replied.

Yusuke spun around and blocked a punch to the face. Dusk jumped back and landed on his feet. "My attacks have weakened you. Prepare yourself" Dusk said as he pulled out some throwing stars from behind him. He threw them at Yusuke and disappeared. Yusuke blasted each of the stars but in the process lost Dusk.

Dusk appeared behind him and kicked Yusuke sending him crashing to the ground headfirst. Yusuke stumbled back up and turned around. He was surprised to find Dusk holding a short cord in his hands.

Yusuke charged and threw a punched at the ninja. Dusk looped the cord around Yusuke's wrist and tripped him. Yusuke fell to the ground but Dusk still had the cord around his wrist. Dusk took that moment to pulled the cord and toss Yusuke into the air. He let go of one end of the cord and the rest unraveled from Yusuke's wrist. Yusuke crashed into a tree and landed one the ground.

He growled and stumbled to his feet. "Not bad for a string" he said as he wiped the blood dripping from his mouth. "Ninja's are trained to use many weapons both traditional and odd. This string is one of our odd weapons. Now I'll use another" Dusk said as he reached into his sleeve.

He pulled out a foot long pole with a short scythe attached to it. A ball and chain fell from a hole on the end of the handle. "This weapon is called a kusari-gama, it's my favorite weapon in my entire arsenal" Dusk said. He held the scythe in his right hand and the chain in the other.

Yusuke knew he was in trouble now. The ball at the end of the chain was made of steel and would probably shatter any bone it hit. The chain would allow Dusk to attack from long range. Getting in close would mean also having to look out for the scythe. 

"I'll make the first move" Dusk said. He gripped the metal ball and threw it at Yusuke. Yusuke jumped to the side and dodged it but Dusk grabbed onto the chain and swung the ball at Yusuke. Yusuke grunted as the ball smashed into his ribs. He fell to one knee as Dusk pulled the ball back.

Yusuke stumbled to his feet but knee a few ribs were broken. Dusk stood twirling the ball by the chain with his left hand and clutching the scythe with the other.

Dusk took one step forward before charging. He swung the ball sideways at Yusuke but the spirit detective ducked and threw a punch at Dusk. Dusk countered by slashing Yusuke across the stomach with the scythe. Yusuke stumbled back clutching his wound.

Dusk wrapped the chain around Yusuke's right ankle and pulled. Yusuke fell on his back as Dusk jumped into the air. "Now to finish you off" Dusk said as he swung his scythe down toward Yusuke heart. Now's my chance Yusuke thought. His fist started to glow as the scythe bore own on him. "SHOTGUN" he thrust his fist forward and fired at Dusk. Dusk had no time to dodge and the blast sent him flying back. He crashed into a boulder and was buried in the ruble.

Yusuke stumbled back to his feet as the dust settled around where Dusk was buried. I know you're still alive he thought. The ball and chain flew out of the ruble and looped around Yusuke's torso. He was lifted into the air as he struggled to get free.

Dusk jumped out of the ruble with no damage apart from a crack on his mask. "Hey put me down" Yusuke said. Dusk ignored him and pulled on the chain. Yusuke was pulled back to the ground and landed painfully on his back. Dusk ran past him and started dragging him to the forest. He leaped over a high branch and landed on one not to far under in. Yusuke landed on the same branch.

It was then Yusuke realized the chain was now around his neck. He did his best to stay balanced on the branch. Dusk squatted and placed the blade of his scythe against the branch.  "When I cut this branch you not doubt fall to the ground. But the chain around your neck will stop you and it'll hang you" Dusk said. Yusuke growled and struggled to get free.

"Farewell Yusuke Urameshi" Dusk said as he raised his scythe and sliced through the branch. Yusuke jumped toward Dusk just before the branch was cut and landed a kick on the ninja's face. Dusk lost his grip on the chain and they both fell to the ground. Since Dusk had let go there was nothing to hold the chain back but Yusuke still landed painfully on his back. Dusk landed on is stomach.

"Now to get rid of these things" Yusuke said. He used his spirit energy to blast the chains off. He got to his feet and looked at Dusk.

Dusk was on one knee and struggling to get back up. "You leave me no choice" he said. He leaped high into the air and fisted his right hand. "SHADOW CLAW" his fist was surrounded by black energy. He started falling toward Yusuke with his fist ready.

Yusuke smirked and fisted his own hand. His body was surrounded by blue energy. As Dusk got within range Yusuke readied his hand. "SPIRIT WAVE" he thrust his hand forward and fired at pointblank range. Dusk's attack was no match for its power and he was surrounded by the blast.

The attack continued on until it hit the side of a cliff and exploded. Yusuke smirked triumphantly and relaxed his arm. "I need a vacation" he said as he turned to walk away.

He stopped when he heard Dusk stumble out of the ruble. He spun around and looked in shock as Dusk limped out of the ruble. His ninja suit was ripped in various places, he was limping on his right leg, and he was clutching his left arm.

"This battle isn't over" Dusk said weakly. Yusuke fisted his hand again and prepared to fire again. "Your tougher than I thought but I doubt you could handle another hit. Just head home and we'll call it even" Yusuke said. "Give me your best shout" Dusk said. Yusuke sighed and powered up. In his weakened stat it would take awhile to gather enough energy.

Dusk watched as Yusuke powered up. There was nothing he could do to stop the next attack. He thought about his son and how the clan would fair without him. Farewell he thought.

With Riku and Shade

As the three Shades approached Riku contemplated his options. The only way I can win is if I can fight tem one at a time. If not, they'll over power me he thought. He looked at the three opponents.

Shade had all his vital spots covered and so did the copy on the right. But Riku noticed the Shade on the left's sword was out of position by one millimeter. Against someone like Riku a small margin like that was more than enough.

He readied his sword and charged the left Shade. Their swords clashed as the other two stopped and changed direction. Riku pushed the first one back and ducked the other copy's swing. He kicked it back and clashed swords with the real Shade. "Just call it quits" Shade said. Riku smirked and leaped into the air to avid the first copy's attack.

The second copy leaped after Riku. Riku wind morphed when the copy reached him. He reappeared in front of the first copy and kicked it in the stomach. The copy went crashing into a wall.

Riku turned to the second copy and raised his hand. He fired a red spirit blast at it. Because it was in the air the copy couldn't dodge and was hit by the attack. It crashed in the nearby forest. Riku smirked as he looked back at the real Shade. "My plan's worked" he said. "What plan?" Shade asked. "I've separated the three of you. Now I'll take you out one by one. Don't worry, I'm saving you for last" Riku said before wind morphing.   

Riku reappeared in the forest around where the second copy landed. Where are you? He thought. He didn't notice the copy sneak behind him. The copy lifted its sword and sliced through a tree. Riku had flitted out of the way. The copy looked around for the wolf.

A foot slammed into its head and sent it crashing into a tree. Riku readied his sword and thrust it at the copy. The copy dodged and swung at Riku's shoulder. Riku winced as the blade barley missed severing his collarbone. He kicked it back and landed on a stump.

The shadow thrust its left hand forward and out flew a dozen throwing stars. Riku used his sword as a shield and tried to stop them from hitting him but one managed to embed itself on the right side of his chest. The shadow charged and kicked him in the face.

Riku went spinning to the ground. He landed on all fours and carefully pulled out the throwing star. The shadow charged Riku and lifted its blade. Just before it could swing Riku spun around and sliced it in half. The upper half melted away first followed closely by the legs.

Riku smirked and stumbled to his feet. "One down, two to go" he said. He picked up the scent of Shade. He'll be here soon. I'd better take care of the other copy he thought before wind morphing. 

Shade finally reached the area he sensed the battle from. Aw man I just missed him. He's no doubt heading for the other copy so I must be quick he thought before melting into the shadows.

Riku found the other copy heading in the direction his battle took place. He appeared in front of it and swung at it. It quickly melted into the shadows.

Riku looked around and tried to pick up its scent. He picked it up and jumped to the side to avoid an attack from behind. He spun around and blocked another swing. The copy pushed down and tried to overpower him. Riku used both feet to push it back and pushed himself back to his feet.

The copy recovered and charged. It swung at Riku's neck. Riku managed to avoid having his head chopped off but the blade was against his neck. The copy pulled its sword back and sliced a shallow cut on the left side of Riku's neck. Luckily it avoided and major arteries.

Riku clutched his neck as the copy landed on top of a wall. It leaped into the air and brought its sword down on Riku. Riku blocked it and readied his left hand to attack. "CRESCENT CLAWS" the five blades sliced through the copy and it soon melted away.

At that moment Shade arrived. "You're a little late" Riku said. Damit he defeated it already Shade thought. Riku smirked but it vanished when his body surged with pain. He fell to one knee. "My copies may not have killed you but they seem to have weakened you" Shade said.

He leaped into the air and prepared for the final blow. Using all his strength Riku swung back and their swords collided. Riku channeled his spirit energy into his sword and the resulting explosion sent Shade crashing into a pillar.

As Shade stumbled up he prepared for one final chare. Riku prepared his sword and ran toward Shade. Shade was about to charge back but then he heard a voice in his head. 'Farewell' it said. Shade froze in place. That sounded like dad. I have to help him he thought. Riku was approaching fast. Shade gripped his sword sheath and pulled it out.

As Riku neared he swung the sheath in front of him. A white cloud of dust shot out of the tip of the sheath and hit Riku's face. Riku dropped his sword and clutched his eyes.

Blinding powder he thought as he tried to rub the stuff out of his eyes. That stuff's only temporary so I'd better hurry Shade thought before running in the direction of Dusk an Yusuke's battle. Hold on dad he thought. 

With Nami and Naien

Naien smirked as Nami grunted in pain. The wound on her stomach was more sever than the demon slayer originally thought. She looked over at the smirking fire hanyou.

"My arrows seemed to have done the trick" Naien said. Nami growled and stumbled to her feet. "I'm not dead yet" she said. "Then let's continue" Naien said before swinging her whip at Nami. Nami jumped out the way to avoid it and fired and dark blue blast at Naien. Naien swatted it aside and charged.

She swung her whip at her but Nami dodged and sliced through it. Naien growled and punched Nami in the face. Nami counted by punching the hanyou in the stomach. Naien did a spin kicked and slammed her foot on the side of Nami's face. As Nami fell to the ground she grabbed Naien's braid and pulled as hard as she could.

Naien yelled in pain and was pulled to the ground. Nami got up first and continued to pull on Naien's braid with her left hand. Naien growled and grabbed Nami's hair. Nami yelped as Naien tugged. They both growled as they pulled harder. Nami had had enough and grabbed the sides of Naien's head. Before Naien could react Nami gave her a powerful head but. Naien let go of Nami's hair and staggered back.

"What's your head made of?" Naien said as she rubbed the lump on her forehead. "When your boyfriend is Hiei, a girl needs a pretty hard head or else she'll get a headache from his yelling" Nami replied. Naien let out a battle cry and lunged at Nami.

She knocked Nami down and punched her in the face. Nami rolled them over so she was on top and punched Naien back. Naien and Nami repeated the process of rolling on top of each other and punching each other's faces. (I bet all you boys out there are wishing this were animated. I know I am)

Naien landed one final punch before Nami blasted her off. Naien recovered and landed on her feet. Nami jumped back to her feet and got into a fighting stance. They were both panting and were covered in dirt. Their outfits had various rips in them.

Naien's hand was surrounded by flames again. "This time I'm not holding back. FLAME OF THE PHOENIX" the phoenix shaped flames shot out of her hand and headed for Nami. Nami smirked as the attack reached her.

The flames caused and explosion that caused the cliff face to crash into the valley bellow. Naien smirked as the dust settled. She turned around and was greeted by a very dirty Nami. "But how?" Naien asked. "I blasted my way under ground and came out behind you" Nami said. She then lifted her hand and gave Naien a slap to the face. Naien spun around a few times before falling to the ground. "Thanks Keiko. Those slapping lessons you gave me came in handy" Nami said.

She looked around and sense Hiei was in trouble. "I'm coming Hiei" she said before flitting off.

With Hiei and Javik

Javik was almost ready to send his dragon attack at Hiei. Using the Dragon of the Darkness Flame left Hiei to weak to move much. Hiei looked at Javik. He'd never expected someone would be able to counter his dragon but the water demon had come prepared.

"This ends now. DRAGON OF THE SACRED SEA" Javik thrust his hand forward and out flew the mighty water dragon. Hiei closed his eyes as the blast neared. I'm sorry Nami, Yukina. I'm too weak to do anything he thought.

The dragon roared as it reached Hiei. Hiei prepared for the end put instead he felt something slam into his chest and push him to the ground. He could fell the dragon fly just over him. The dragon plowed its way through the forest before causing a huge explosion.

Hiei felt something strangled over his face and opened his eyes. Immediately he blushed and closed them. Nami had arrived and pushed him out of the way. Unfortunately (or is it fortunately?) the way Nami landed on top of Hiei left his face in her chest area.

Nami hurried off with a deep blush on her cheeks. "Sorry about that Hiei" she said looking down. Hiei sat up and looked at her. Half of him wanted to say 'No Nami it was perfectly fine with me' but he didn't since he didn't want Nami to think he was a pervert.     

"You okay" she asked as she stood up and held out her hand for him. He took and she pulled him up. "I had him right where I wanted him" Hiei said. Nami sighed knowing Hiei would never admit he was losing. "You know you can be so stubborn at times" she said as she playfully hit his arm causing him to yelp and clutch the area. "Nami" he growled. "I'm sorry okay" she replied.

Javik had watched the entire scene. "Hello, ninja water demon with a dragon attack here" he said. Nami and Hiei looked in his direction. "Yea we haven't forgotten about you" Hiei said as he turned to face him. "Hiei, you of all people should know you're in no shape to take him on" Nami said. "Then what do you propose we do?" Hiei asked impatiently.

"I'll take him and you stay here" she said. "Alright but how bout I take him and you stay here?" Hiei replied. "No I'll take him" Nami replied. "I will" Hiei growled. "I will" Nami said as she glared back at him. "Listen this is my fight and I'll finish what I started" Hiei said getting in Nami face. "At least I won my fight" Nami growled back. They stood their glaring at each other. 

Javik lifted when he heard Dusk's farewell in his head. Master Dusk is in danger. I must help him Javik thought. As Hiei and Nami argued he snuck off to find Naien.

He found her still unconscious from Nami's slap. He lifted her onto his shoulder and took off toward Dusk. Hopefully, she'll wake up soon he thought.  

Hiei and Nami had gotten into an all out fight but because of his injuries Hiei lost pretty quickly. "Now wait here and I'll handle Aquaman over there" she said as she turned to where Javik was standing. "Hey where'd he go?" she asked.

With Kurama and Azeri

Kurama watched as the tornado approached him. There has to be a way to beat her he thought. He looked around for any escape routs and saw a path through the woods. He ran as fast as he could toward the path. Azeri was close behind.

As he ran he used his spare Rose Whip to chop down trees in Azeri's path while planting some of his man-eating plants with his other hand. The trees and his plants went up in flames. He continued to run until he came across a cliff face. Now what? He thought.

He turned around and saw Azeri exit the forest. She immediately made a beeline toward him. He braced for the intense heat but it never came. He opened his eyes and saw that the tornado had stopped. He tilted his head with a clueless look on his face.

The flames died down and Azeri was stumbling all over the place with swirls in her eyes. Kurama had no idea what was going on. "So…dizzy" Azeri said. Kurama sweatdropped. She stumbled in his direction. An idea popped in his head and he stood at the cliff's edge. As Azeri reached him he stepped to the side and held out his leg. She tripped on it and fell over the cliff's edge.

Kurama looked down where Azeri fell. The cliff wasn't very high so she was still alive but judging form the amount of broken branches, she was no longer a threat. Defeated by her own technique. How ironic he thought. He turned and went to find the others.

Javik stopped running when he came across an unconscious Azeri. She just had to use that technique again he thought. He lifted her over his other shoulder and continued toward Dusk.

With Muraku and Lita

Muraku charged first as Lita prepared her blades. Just before their blades hit he disappeared. Lita was sent flying forward when he kicked the back of her head. She crashed right through a tree.

As she stumbled up Muraku slammed his knee into her face. He followed it up with a kick to the stomach and another punch to her face. She went crashing to the ground.

She stumbled back to her feet and clutched her swords. "It's your turn to attack" Muraku said mockingly. Lita growled and charged.

She swung one of her sword at his shoulder but her stopped it by simply placing his katana on the area. She swung her other but her caught her wrist. "Is this all you can do? I expected more of a challenge" he said. He kicked her stomach and she went flying into a tree branch.

As she lay dangled on the branch Muraku jumped up and sliced the branch from the rest of the tree. She fell to the ground next to the branch. Muraku smirked and landed on his feet.

Lita stumbled back to her feet. "I don't know if your very persistent or just plan stupid" Muraku said. Lita growled and crossed her swords. They started to glow. "DOUBLE X" an energy blast in the shape of an x shot out of her swords. Muraku simply lifted his sword and sliced through them.

Lita gasped and started to back away. Who is this guy? She wondered. "I bet I can lay a hundred punches on you before my sword lands" Muraku said. He tossed his katana into the air and charged. Lita prepared her swords but before she could swing Muraku was behind her. He smirked and jumped back to where his sword would land. As it headed for the ground he caught it. "Looks like I won the bet" he said. "What do you mean?" Lita asked.

She froze when bruises started to appear on her body. She fell to one knee. I didn't even know he hit me she thought.

Muraku laughed and lifted his sword. He charged and sliced her shoulder and followed it up with a horizontal slice to her stomach. He finished with a blow to the head using the broad side of his sword. She fell to the ground.

I'll have some more fun with her before I finish her off. It's been so long since I last fought he thought before grabbing her by the shirt and tossing her into the air. 

With Crystal and Draco

Crystal's sword clashed with Draco's Bo and a pushing match started. She smirked and kicked him back. Before he could recover she fired a series of small energy blasts at him.

He growled and swung his Bo at her. She jumped out of the way to dodge it and charged him. He barely had time to block her assault. As she swung her sword at him he repeatedly blocked each one. Man she's tougher than she looks he thought.

He swung at her again but she jumped and landed on the tip of his Bo. He was froze with shock as she lifter her leg and kicked him in the face. He stumbled back but managed to recover before she attacked.

He jumped back as the tip of his bow started to glow. "STAFF SWIPE" he swung his Bo and green energy blades shot out of the tip. Crystal dodged each one with ease. It became clear that she was the most agile of the group. She dodged the last one and attack. Before she reached him he disappeared.

He reappeared behind her and swung at her back. She managed to block it with her sword. "Not bad" Draco said. He then swung his leg at her and kicked her stomach. As she doubled over he blasted her to the ground.

Before the dust clear she leaped into the air and kicked him in the chin. He flipped and landed on his feet.

She sheathed her sword and gathered energy in her hands. "WOLVE'S FURY" she thrust her hands forward and a white energy beam headed for Draco. He crossed his arms in front of him as the blast hit. An explosion of white energy rocked the area.

Crystal landed on her feet with a smirk on her face. "STAFF SWIPE" a few more green blades shot out from the smoke and Crystal was cut in various places. She stumbled back and watched as Draco leaped from the smoke and landed in front of her.

"I'm sorry about the cuts but what choice did I have?" Draco said. Crystal unsheathed her sword and prepared to attack. Draco sighed and prepared to attack as well.

Then he felt it. One of his friends was in danger. He looked to where he sensed it and closed his eyes. He felt Lita's life energy and a huge power fighting her. And she was losing badly. Lita's in trouble. I gotta help her he thought. He opened his eyes and looked at Crystal. "I don't like leaving fights unfinished but if I don't leave one of my friends will die. But I'll leave you with this" he said as he clasped his hands. He preformed the exact same chant Shade did.

Six Draco copies jumped fro the ground. "Have fun" Draco said as he took of into the forest to find Lita.

The copies attacked Crystal at once. She was able to block their fist swings but a blow to the back caused her to fall forward. As the other's lifted their Bos to finish her two were sliced in two by a Sprit Sword. The others jumped back as Kuwabara swung at them. He took a defensive stance in front of Crystal. "Don't worry Crystal, Kazuma Kuwabara is here to protect you" he said. Crystal smiled and got to her feet. "I'll take the two on the right" she said. Kuwabara nodded and faced the other two.

With Muraku and Lita

As Muraku landed on his feet, Lita struggled to one knee. Muraku had given her the beating of her life and he was ready to finish it. Muraku smirked as Lita struggled to get to her feet. He didn't care what happened to her. If she were to reach to he temple she and her friends might hurt Kairi. And he wasn't about to let that happen.  

Muraku smirked and charged. He prepared to swing his sword down on her when he sensed something. "DRAGON FIRE CANON" Draco's golden dragon came charging through the forest towards Muraku. He flitted out of the way of the blast.

As Muraku landed he watched Draco run to Lita's side. "You okay Lita?" he asked. "Draco, you rescued me" she said. "Hey you're my friend. I wouldn't let anything happen to you or the others" he said smiling.

"How touching" Muraku said. Draco narrowed his eyes and stood up. He turned and faced Muraku. "So you're the one that did this to her" Draco said angrily. "So what if it was? If I recall your people are the ones attacking so you only have yourselves to blame" Muraku replied. Draco growled and prepared his Bo. "Lita, use that healing technique of yours. I'll hold him off" he said. Lita nodded and clasped her fingers together. SAVING GRACE she said silently. He body was surrounded by a faint glow. Draco smirked and turned to Muraku.

"My, aren't we the big hero" Muraku said. "I'll make you pay" Draco replied.

 Like I said, both Kuwabara and Draco had their moments. The rest of the clan is heading for Dusk. Next chapter, the conclusion of the battle between the gang and the Night Shadow clan. Review please.